OLD SCHOOL SQUARE’S CREST THEATER PRESENTS WINTER WONDERLAND ON ICE

With 3 performances coming up, you don’t want to miss the international cast of champion pairs an soloists, colorful costumes and exciting music, electrifying jumps, lifts and spins and enchanting vocals.  Olympic Bronze medalist and 2-time European Champion Jozef (“Jumpin’ Joe) Sabovcik will WOW us with his skating performance.  Performances are Friday, December 18^th at 8 pm; Saturday, December 19^th at 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, December 20^th at 2 pm and 7 pm.  

Tickets are $42 and can be ordered online at http://www.oldschool.org/ or by calling 561-243-7922, ext 1.  The Crest Theatre is located at Old School square, 51 No. Winton Avenue, Delray Beach.   

Come early with the elementary school (and pre-school) children who can ride the Carousel.  Carousel hours are 5-9 pm weekdays and 1-9 pm weekends and during school break.  Rides are $2 each.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Visit the Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Wellington to see the lifetime home for abandoned, abused or unwanted captive, exotic felines. Here you can learn about the challenges these animals face in the wild, medical care, nutrition and the problems related to private ownership. The animals roam within a 3-acre pen. 

The Center is located at 14755 Palm Beach Point Boulevard in Wellington, FL 33414 - Phone: 561-795-8914. Group and Individual Tours can be arranged. 

The Center survives as a non-profit organization thanks to contributions from corporations, individual patrons and veterinary facilities. 

Come on over on December 13th for hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, raffle prizes and take a photo with a baby jaguar at their fund raising event from 12-3 pm at LoLa Restaurant and Ultria Lounge, 16950 Jog Road, Delray Beach. 561-496-5652.

DEED FOR LEASE PROGRAM (DL-4)

New program announced by Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) to keep mortgage-challenged borrowers in their homes.  Qualified borrowers relinquish the deed to their property and rent their home at market rate for 12 months.  To read more about it, see Chris Thorman’s informative blog.   Your comments are most welcome!

CAN LIFE SETTLEMENTS WORK FOR YOU AS A NEW SOURCE FOR FUNDS?

·        Your term policy can be evaluated in the Life Settlement Market if it can be converted to Universal Life; it would be converted during the closing process

o      If your health has deteriorated to the point where premiums on new life insurance would be cost prohibitive converting term to universal or whole life may be the only viable option

·        Have your whole life premiums escalated making you consider surrender or lapsing the policy perhaps for low cash payout?  A Life Settlement MAY BE THE BEST SOLUTION – cash out under performing insurance and use the proceeds to purchase more appropriate coverage.

·        Does your business hold life insurance that may no longer be necessary, and in need of reevaluation and change to life settlement or other solution, e.g.

o      due to retirement of key executive

o      partnership dissolution

o      executives who do not wish to keep a policy in a retirement package in force

o      change of business ownership

o      exit strategies for benefit programs

o      proper market asset valuation of business owned life insurance

·        Do you have life insurance providing a deferred benefit to a charity, and if so, would you prefer a solution that will make more immediate donations during your lifetime?  If yes, consider a life settlement solution.  The charities then will not have premium obligations when you pass on.

MORE INFORMATION

1st TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2010

The $8000 tax break for first-time home buyers would require a signed purchase agreement contract, and will have a 60-day cushion beyond the end of April to complete the closing.

In addition, existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for at least 5 years but want to relocate to a new primary residence can use a $6,500 tax credit.

Income limits for both would be $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

The tax break would be offered on homes priced at $800,000 or less Recipients who sell the home or stop using it as their primary residence within 3 years would be required to repay the credit

ART REIGNS SUPREME

The New York Times reports that prices at Sotheby’s Auction far surpass estimates. A recent auction was well represented by buyers from the US, China, Latin America and Russia. A Derain, “Barque au Port de Collioure sold for $14MM recently, the highest price for one of the artists works at auction. It was estimated to sell for $8MM but there were 3 bidders and one was determined to win the painting.

AUCTIONS: BEST BUYS IN TOWN & HISTORIC HOMES: WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

For BEST BUYS IN TOWN and WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN See The Examiner.

WEEK OF 10-12-09 PENDING SALES ROSE BY 2% IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Buyers are becoming aware that NOW is the BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida, and the best properties are being bought up as you read this. Front runner Palm Beach County was up 3%. Have you been out looking for the best possible deal? Better hurry….

HOW LONG WILL FOODS STAY OKAY IN YOUR HOME?

Keep it or toss it? Head over to http://www.stilltasty.com, and find out shelf life, and length of time it’s ok in the refrigerator or freezer. Search for the foods you want to know about. You might find some surprises!

529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN CHANGES PROPOSED

Among recommendations from the White House Task Force on Middle-Class Working Families (Treasury Department) here are some proposals:

• 529 plans getting greater availability of age-based index funds that shed equities and add fixed-income assets as beneficiary approaches college
• eliminating a “home-state bias” for fee and state tax assessments which currently force families to use funds offered in their home state rather than in others
• put limits on balances on a per-beneficiary bases rather than on state-by-state basis
• Treasury should collect data from surveys re 529 plan participation and investments
• Strengthen compliance and monitoring of Section 529 accounts and disbursements
• Simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which currently has 153 questions, some having no impact on student aid – over 1MM eligible students fail to fill out this currently complex form
• Tailoring the form to individual students
• Allowing students to electronically retrieve their tax info from the IRS and enter it into the online FAFSA

MARILYN FARBER JACOBS is a Licensed Advisor / Independent Insurance Agent – who has College Savings Plans to tell you about, using a 529 Plan, term, universal life or whole life plans so that you, or someone you know, can make an educated choice.

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS GUIDE

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS GUIDE

HOUSING INDUSTRY GROUPS WORKING ON APPRAISAL REFORMS

Things are looking up as this thorny appraisal vs.comparables problem is faced at last. Among the issues being discussed jointly by the NAR (National Association of Realtors), NAHB (National Association of Builders), MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association and appraisal groups are:

· Appraisers not using proper adjustments on comps (comparables) on foreclosed or other distressed properties

· The HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) impacting the ability to get quality appraisals in distressed markets

· Some appraisers for comps in area they are not familiar with and that impacts the appraisals, driving down home values

· Urging federal regulators to adopt and enforce more clear regulatory guidance on appraisals for distressed and foreclosed properties for realistic valuations and truly comparable sales

· Calling for immediate action to address these appraisal-related claims

· Sometimes appraisers do a “drive by,” only looking at the exteriors of homes as they do not have access, and distressed properties often have apparent problems inside as compared to new, updated, and “market-ready” homes.

Okay government, let’s get this fixed. It IS BROKE.

THE LATEST HOUSING NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2009 HOUSING NEWS

MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE PROGRAM

FOR THOSE WITH PROBLEMS PAYING THEIR MORTGAGES THESE LINKS MAY BE OF INTEREST

MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE PROGRAM

BUYING FORECLOSURES

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION

SHORT SALE GUIDE, ISSUES, PITFALLS AND MORE

Keep in mind: Marilyn's team includes CDPE Graduates (CERTIFIED DISTRESSED PROPERTY EXPERTS) and if you know someone who could use our help, please let us know who they are, or suggest they call us. We will do the best that we can to be of help. Call Marilyn at 561-988-0070 for more information.

DID YOUR PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX BILL GO UP?

While local headlines SCREAM that Florida properties were devalued even more this year (did I hear 18%?), the property taxes, inexplicably, are going UP UP AND AWAY. Appeals to the county’s Value Adjustment Board by angry taxpayers for their 2009 property tax bills are expected to climb, perhaps by over 20% up from 13,200 appeals in 2008, challenging property assessments and homestead and tax exemption classifications. Petitions can be file online or in person at 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, until September 14^th, and there is a $15 filing fee. For more information call the Clerk and Comptroller's office at (561) 355- 6289. The Clerks office says that while the increase in appeals may be due to the economic downturn, a state law has changed requiring the property appraisers office to prove their assessments are accurate. In the past the property owner had to prove the assessment was wrong. Special magistrates must be hired to settle disputes between property owners and the county property appraisers office. Responsibility for processing petitions and scheduling hearings lies with the Clerks office. Preliminary tax notices were mailed Friday to all county property owners.

FIRST FLORIDA POPULATION DROP SINCE MILITARY PERSONNEL LEFT IN 1946

Blaming the recession and steep drop in new residents of 58,000 over the past year for plunging tax revenues jobs in construction, real estate and mortgage lending have disappeared. This has resulted in empty classroom seats, down about 10,000 statewide compared to the previous year. Current popular is about 18.3 million, says the US Census Bureau.

Florida’s unemployment rate in June was 10,6%, highest rate since 1975, one of the highest rates in the US. Estimates used data from residential electric hookups, building permits and homestead exemptions.

Another factor fewer people are moving to Florida is their inability to sell their homes elsewhere to be able to move here.

However, growth is expected to resume as the economy improves.

WANT TO SEE THE US DEBT and PER CITIZEN LIABILITIES?

US DEBT CLOCK

CASE-SHILLER HOME PRICE INDEX RISES

A May 2009 increase of 0.5% in the closely watched Case-Shiller home price index indicates that the US housing recovery is seen possible now. Prices tumbled more than 32% from their peak in 2Q 2006. Case said that prices may be at the bottom now.

· Preventative risk--management must be a priority going forward, according to Shiller.

· He also stated that the mortgage contract structure must be made to protect home-buyers in case of a downturn. “The new standard for mortgage should be a continuous work-out mortgage,” so that “if home prices fall then your mortgage payment will go down.”

· Shiller cautioned that recent bank bailouts were “extraordinary events that we should want to prevent as much as possible in the future.”

· In June new home sales jumped 11%, the biggest monthly gain in 8 years according the US Commerce Department.

· National association of Realtors said existing home sales rose for the 3^rd straight month in June.

But, with unemployment and foreclosures still rising, caution was advised. Shiller said that confidence in the US financial system is crucial for an economic recovery, and can be best restored by having a clear regulatory framework for investors. He mentioned that foreign investors who were thinking about putting money in this country are feeling somewhat less assured.

REPORTS SHOWING HOUSING MARKET ON THE MEND

With sales up in all four regions of the United States, and the number of previously occupied homes sold in June being the third month in a row to go up, this kind of expansion has not been seen in almost 5 years.

Sales roses 3.6% according to the National Association of Realtors. The foreclosure market is shrinking. It is meaningful that about on third of homes sold in June were foreclosure related, down from nearly half of those sold earlier this year. See the Federal Housing Finance Agency report showing home prices rose almost 1% in May.

There has never been a better time to buy a home in Florida with interest rates down and home prices so much lower than in recent years. The “best buys” are starting to be snatched up now.

NEW PLAN BEING DISCUSSED FOR HOUSES IN FORECLOSURE

According to the Florida Association of Realtors, a plan being developed by both Obama and Congress will allow homeowners to rent their foreclosed home for at least 5 years, maybe as long as 10 years. Motivated by the thought that Florida doesn’t need any more vacant homes, and that the modification plans have not been as successful as Congress hoped, the overall economy as well as the real estate situation in Florida could change for the better with this plan. Florida’s foreclosure rate remains third highest in the nation. One in every 33 households received a default notice, auction notice or bank repossession. One plan is for lenders selling foreclosed homes to approved professional landlords. Another idea is for lenders to sell to private investors, or keep the home and hire a management firm to handle the rental. However, some warn of banks wanting to shed properties rather than become landlords and selling to low-balling investors, which would knock prices farther down.

YOUR ART COULD BE EXHIBITED... AND SOLD... IN PUBLIC PLACES

Your work can be exhibited and sold at the 4-month long Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach. Those waiting for flights could keep busy with looking at the art exhibit that will be held from September 17, 2009 to December 17, 2009. The theme is “Solar Abstrations” and will feature works that explore the power and brilliance of the sun’s splendor here in Palm Beach County. Sponsored by “Art in Public Places.” Go to http://pbcgov.com/fdo/art/calls.htm or email esinger@pbcgov.org for more details. Entry deadline is August 20^th. Entry fee is $10. Pick up your paint brush NOW… and GO FOR IT!

COUNTY TO WIDEN HYPOLUXO ROAD

$3.6MM has been awarded by County Commissioners to a contractor to widen Hypoluxo Road from four to six lands between Jog Road and Military Trail, with a proviso that it be done in no more than 270 calendar days.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR INFO ON AN OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 7-19, 3-5 PM IN PALM BEACH FARMS-2006, WATERFRONT-GORGEOUS

If you cannot attend the open house
and want a private showing, call
MARILYN FARBER JACOBS, Realtor
at 561-988-0070 to set an
appointment that is convenient for you.

Palm Beach Farms is in an A-Rated
Boca Raton
School district, wonderful
neighborhood with NO ZERO LOT LINES,
and has a playground for the kids.
NO EQUITY, NO HOA.

Price just lowered on this approximately
1/2 acre property on private, gated road.
Boat dock for 30' boat.

VISUAL TOUR LINK

Directions: I95-Palmetto West
Take first right, SW 12th to Circle
Go left (SW 18th St) and take
next right, Isabel Rd Oeste,
to end through white gates.

Please scroll down a bit to see the
information, and click where it says
CLICK TO VIEW FULL PAGE.

CLICK TO VIEW FULL PAGE
Description and Features
Beautiful Curb Appeal. Circular decorative driveway, 12' x 10' portico, double arched pecky cypress oversize front doors, arched windows. PRETTIEST home in the area. Very Private. One gated private road - side road is one lane, one way - LIMITED TRAFFIC. Great flow for entertaining. Lots of room for the whole family. Master Bedroom upstairs for privacy. 4 Bedrooms on First Floor. UPGRADES EVERYWHERE - like NEW - MOVE RIGHT IN! Near I-95, shopping, downtown, beach and ocean. Watch fabulous sunsets from upstairs south facing Balcony off Master Bedroom. QUIET, SERENE NEIGHBORHOOD where Tropical Trees and plantings abound! THIS is FLORIDA LIVING at it's best! Be sure to click bottom link for Virtual Tour, many more photos.	Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Parking Spaces: 3 Square Feet: 4614 Lot Size: 19602 Year Built: 2006 Floors: 3 MLS #: R2954219
Location
Click to view map: 2198 Isabel Road Oeste Boca Raton FL 33486
Links
Boca Raton, Delray Beach ALL Palm Beach County Homes for Sale, Marilyn Jacobs SPARKLING Boca Raton Palm Beach Farms Custom-Built Waterfront Estate Listing Website

LET IT SNOW… LET IT SNOW… and BRING YOUR MITTENS to a “COOL” EVENT

The last time your editor saw snow in Palm Beach County was when visiting during the winter of 1976, when snow briefly fell in Palm Beach near the water. Palm Beach County will have it’s own winter wonderland this weekend at the Palm Beach Zoo in Dreher Park, Southern Boulevard just east of I-95, for “little kids” and “big kids”. “Winter in July” will be held from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Forty… yes FORTY TONS of snow will fall. Many ice-age fossils will be on display. You can go on a fossil dig, make a fossil shark-tooth necklace, enjoy children’s entertainment, have animal encounters, visit the “sand box” to create your own cool treat, relax in the Florida Pioneer House and hear Arctic-themed stories, meet the “Snow Queen” and learn about sun safety. Go “ice-fishing” and see what prize you can reel in. Admission for adults is $12.95, Seniors 60 and up $9.95, Children 3-12 $8.95, children under 3 and zoo embers are free. The purpose is to educate children about the importance of sun safety and let them experience the wonders of winter without leaving Palm Beach County. The event is co-sponsored by South Florida Parenting Magazine and Panera Bread Company. Sun Safety materials are provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation and Armchem. Daily events at The Zoo include an interactive “Wings Over Water” show with 20 trained birds, 11-3 weekdays and 11-2 weekends This is sponsored by AirTran. The “Wild Things Show’ includes New Guinea Singing Dogs Mic and Sidney, Scooter the South Asian binturong, Xena the African pygmy hedgehog and Boris the Scarlet Macaw and a Brazilian rainbow boa. Come visit and enjoy seeing all the animals!

REMEMBER THE GOOD OLE DAYS?

Some thought “the world was coming to an end” when we watched the high school generation rebel and dress “casual” with jeans, snap their gum loudly, shake their hips, the girls wore pedal pushers to school and the boys had greasy hairdos. The Lake Worth Playhouse at 709 Lake Avenue in Lake Worth will present Grease during July and August. See PLAYHOUSE SCHEDULE. Relive that time at Rydell High School with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John showing us how it was done, with those wonderful catchy tunes, bringing back the sounds of Elvis, Little Richard and Buddy Holly. Check out the other coming shows for the season as well. Prices are: Mezzanine LQ $25.00, Orchestra AAK $29.00

PALM BEACH DINING OPPORTUNITIES DURING JUNE 2009

Lunch for $20.09 or have dinner for $35 per person for a 3-course meal – appetizer, main course, dessert. Beverages, tax and gratuity are additional. Here are the restaurants, addresses and phone number for reservations in alphabetical order:

· Bice, 313 ½ Worth Avenue, 561-835-1600

· Café Boulud at Brazllian Court, 301 Australian Ave, 561-655-6060

· Café L’Europe, 331 So County Rd, 561-655-4020

· Charley’s Crab, 456 So Ocean Blvd, 561-659-1500

· Leopard Lounge and Restaurant at Chesterfield Hotel, 363 Cocoanut Row, 561-659-5800

· Coco Palm Beach, Bradley Park Hotel, 290 Sunset Ave, 561-832-3734

· Flagler Steakhouse at Breakers, One South County Road, 561-659-8488

· Italian Restaurant at Breakers, One South County Road, 561-659-8488

· Seafood Bar at Breakers, One South County Road (reservations not accepted)

· Ocean Bistro at Four Seasons, 2800 So Ocean Blvd, 561-582-2800

· Renato’s, 87 Via Mizner off Worth Avenue, 561-655-9752

· Temple Orange at Ritz-Carlton, 100 So Ocean Blvd, 561-533-6000

· Ta-Boo, 221 Worth Avenue, 561-835-3500

• Trevini, 150 Worth Ave, 561-833-3883

Enjoy these “gifts of summer.” Great way to try out new restaurants, or go back to old favorites!

WEST PALM BEACH FACTS UPDATE

Population in 2009 is 99,,377, up 20.3% in a year. Median home cost is $205,290, down 27.4% in one year.

SUPERBOWL CHAMP ALAN VEINGRAD SPEAKS TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 11:55-1:30

Alan Veingrad is a professional motivational speaker, a member of the national speakers association, and ”just happens to wear a Superbowl ring”. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Boca Jewish Business Network, Chabad of East Boca, and J.A.C.O.B. ( Jewish American Chamber of Business) Investment of $20. at the door is all inclusive for food, beverages, tax, tip, etc...

· Business Introductions

· Card Networking

· Kosher Meal

· Door Prizes

· Celebrity Speaker

Former offensive lineman with the Dallas Cowboys & Green Bay Packers, and a member of the Super Bowl XXVII World Champion Dallas Cowboy Team in 1992, Alan Veingrad uses sports metaphors to characterize his journey, and vividly relates the discipline of being a professional football player to success in life. For information on the even go to http://bocaratonbusinessnetworking-rss.eventbrite.com. For details about Alan, go to http://www.alanveingrad.com. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime business luncheon! Address: 120 NE 1^st Avenue, just south of Mizner Park.

NOT SITTING ON THEIR HANDS, THE HOUSING WORKING GROUP OF BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE HAS PROPOSALS TO STIMULATE THE HOUSING MARKET

The Housing Working Group of Business Roundtable is an association of leading US corporation CEOs and, applauded by the National Association of Realtors, they are concerned about returning stability and growth to the US housing market. Their recommendations include

· Keeping 30-year mortgage rates at historically low levels for the nest 12 months

· Expand current first-time homebuyer tax credit to 10% of the purchase price of the home or $15,000 for all homebuyers and remove current income restrictions and includle all primary residence purchases for the next 12 months

· Thoroughly review current foreclosure mitigation and loan-modification programs which are currently showing rising loan-modification re-default rates

· Make current temporary conforming loan limits permanent

· Review and strengthen government efforts to review and refine mortgage lending practices.

For information about the Housing Working Group and Business Roundtable, go to http://www.businessroundtable.org.

LAKE WORTH PIER REOPENS TO THE DELIGHT OF THE FISHERMEN

The William Osborne Lockhart pier, named after a longtime Lake Worth resident and pier master, reopened May 9^th, after the 2004 hurricanes damaged it beyond use. Lockhart was well known for teaching kids how to fish and for his kindnesses to the poor and homeless. Construction began in 2008 with 90% of the $3.4MM needed coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The reconstructed concrete-and-wood pier extends 960 feet. The farthest stretch of pier is 5’ higher than previously. Its wooden planks are designed to break away during high waves and heavy storms, meaning the only future damage sustained would require plank replacement. The only other Atlantic Ocean pier in Palm Beach County is the Juno Beach Pier. Some of the “regular” fishermen have come to this pier for years to fish; others come to enjoy the view and watch the fishermen. Pier hours are 7 am to 9 pm, $3 fee for adults fishing, $1.50 for children fishing, $1 for nonfishing visitors. $3 single-day parking pass available. C’mon over and see what they are catching

NO NEED TO LOSE YOUR SERVERS AND DATA IN A HURRICANE

As hurricane season fast approaches, you may be worried about your office continuing to operate when problems arise as a result of a hurricane. No need to worry; now there is a solution that others are using. Talked with Senior Global Account Manager, Don Sabol recently. His 1Vault Networks (www.1Vault.net) true CAT 5 Rated & SAS 70 type II Data Center in Ft. Lauderdale has created a full suite of Business Continuity Planning. The company offers a Co-location center where data communications and media converge and interconnected, servicing multiple high end IT solutions customers. Each client can locate network, server and storage equipment there and interconnect to a variety of telecommunications and other True Tier 1 network service providers. Co-location is provided on a massive scale for needs ranging from modest-sized racks to custom cages with 22,000 sq ft of raised floor. Hardware and software installation, maintenance, managed and unmanaged servers and IT consulting are offered. If you are a Co-location client at 1 Vault, DR Seats and DR Suites are available, so your entire businesses can temporarily relocate to ensure continuity to customers in spite of outside conditions. They also provide and full range of Managed Security, Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery solutions. Check this out! Contact Don Sabol, Office # 954-736-2725 or dsabol@1vault.net. CALM YOUR WORRIES NOW, folks! Remember that old saying, "AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE."

THE HISTORY OF ANNUITIES

• Over 2000 years ago, during Roman times, buyers, in return for a lump sum, received a fixed annual payment for life or a period certain. The first Life Expectancy Table was created by The Roman Domitius Ulpianus
• The wars during the Middle Ages were funded by tontines, annuity pools in which participants purchased a share and received a life annuity. Their survivors received a larger payment with the last survivor receiving the remaining principal, a veritable jackpot.
• European Governments, during the 18^th C., sold annuities that were state-guaranteed for lifetime income. Hundreds of laws were passed by the English Parliament to fund wars and provide a stipend to the Royal Family., the first issued was the State Tontine of 1963 costing 100£ per share with the buyer receiving income during the lifetime of their designated person, often a child. They could be assigned by will or deed or passed on to next of kin at death.
• In the United States annuities were not heavily purchased at first, mostly bought by attorneys or executors of estates to provide income to a beneficiary as describe in a last will and testament. A Pennsylvania company was formed in 1759 to benefit Presbyterian ministers and their families, and in 1912, the Pennsylvania Company for Insurance on Lives and Granting Annuities was the first American company to offer annuities to the general public.
• In the United States as multi-generational households began to fade, and especially during the Depression, investors turned to annuities as reliable investments.
• During the “New Deal” period, when FDR encouraged saving for retirement, group annuities for corporate pension plans developed. Tax deferred status was attractive.
• In 1952, the variable annuity was introduced, with a choice of vehicles to invest in, such as mutual funds.
• During the current difficult economic times annuities have become extremely popular and right now some companies have put a temporary hold on issuing annuities until they catch up with what they have in-house.
• Estimated annual annuity sales amount to over $200BB. Even though annuity contracts may have higher fees and commissions than some other investments, many have found the annuity structure to be beneficial in growing their retirement portfolios.

Blog Manager Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a License Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and offers FREE Community Service appointments to let you know what others in your position are doing to protect, preserve and grow their retirement portfolios using annuities and/or life insurance.

ED W. “TOO TALL FREEMAN”, CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT

When Ed applied to become a pilot after receiving a battlefield commission, he was hoping to fulfill a childhood dream. However, he was told that at 6’4” he was “too tall” for pilot duty, and “Too Tall” became his nickname. In 1955 the height limit was raised, and he was accepted into flying school. Following is an email I received, source is http://www.herobracelets.org/?p=553, and it tells the story: You're a 19-year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out.. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses. And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times... and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, cited for numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity, died last in August 2008 at the age of 80, in Boise , ID... May God rest his soul. Thanks to John Davis, Real Estate Broker in Nebraska and a long-time friend, for sending me this information.

HOW TO CLAIM FUNDS YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE COMING TO YOU

Search www.unclaimed.org and missingmoney.com. Look for savings bonds in your name at publicdebt.treas.gov . For IRAs and pensions search search.pbgc.gov.

On May 12, 2009 HUD announced permission for lenders to allow first time home buyers to use the $8000 tax credit

as a down payment

If you are a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER
(have not purchased or owned a home in 3 prior years)

And are looking for a Home

This will make it easier to buy

Let us tell you the whole story

And pre-approve you same day

FREEBEES

Head over to www.JustFreeStuff.com, and www.TheFreeSite.com . These are sites featuring free products. For groceries, go to www.GetGroceriesFree.com, and www.CoolSavings.com. Take advantage of these offers that fit what you are looking for. We all could use a “free lunch” once in a while! You might want to tell your neighbors about these sites!

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS - HERE'S THE STORY!

CONGRESS HAS APPROVED AN $8,000 TAX CREDIT (or 10% of the purchase price, which ever is less) for any taxpayer who has not owned a house during the 3 years prior to date of purchase. Credit applies to purchases made between January 1 and December 1, 2009. Credit would not have to be repaid (resale stipulations apply). Credit begins to phase out for Individuals with adjusted gross income Over $75,000/single, $150,000/joint.

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

· Mortgage Pre-Approval: Before showing a home your real estate agent must have this letter in their file - we promise other agents to only show homes to buyers who have proof of ability to pay and they do the same
· Finding a home that you like - Give your real estate agent your criteria so they can find you the home of your dreams (price range, # bedrooms and baths, do you want a house, condo or townhouse, cities you prefer, do you have pets and if yes what are their weights as some communities have
pet restrictions, are you age 55+ as some communities are not "all age" complexes)

· Offer to Purchase and Negotiations: Your agent will help you to understand
contract, and will negotiate for you.
· Inspection, Loan is Processed if not paying cash, your agent goes to the closing with you

After you settle into your new home, your agent can tell you about local groups, events, activities and entertainment, also medical facilities, veterinarians, classes you can take, concerts, theaters and all else that you want to know. If you do not have an agent and would like to “discuss” matters with an agent, call Marilyn Farber Jacobs at 561-988-0070 or email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com. Happy to assist and find you the home of your dreams, the lowest possible mortgage rate, and get you “to the closing table.”

WEST PALM BEACH ALLOCATES $127MM TO BOOST ECONOMY

Budgeting funds for construction and other capital projects, the Mayor of West Palm Beach stated that this will put people to work. Renovation of Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach and street improvements were announced, hoping to buoy the beleaguered construction industry. With cash set aside for the projects, taxes won’t be raised. Only 15 weeks will elapse between seeking bids and breaking ground, rather than the usual 30 weeks. A “buy local” campaign is planned urging holiday shoppers to spend their money in West Palm Beach.

FREE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR MEDICARE PATIENTS-DIABETES, MOBILITY, ARTHRITIS

Medicare will pay for your supplies. Delivery will be made directly to your home. Your claims will be filed for you. No waiting in line, no trips to the pharmacy, NO COST TO YOU. For diabetics, we have a brand new state-of-the-art testing meter, virtually pain free – never prick your fingers again! With free blood pressure monitor on first reorder, you get a free cookbook. No cost scooter or power wheelchair, delivered to your home with free in-home setup – choose from a variety of brands. Equipment provided for relief from arthritis, back ache, elbow, ankle or knee pain, swelling, soreness, stiff joints-relieves pain, increases mobility, reduces swelling, long-term wearer comfort, increases circulation, promotes healing. VitalWrap System delivers targeted relief through hot, cold, contrast and compression therapies with precision and comfort. Sizing guide included. Email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com for free Community Service Medical Equipment Brochure or call Marilyn to receive brochure in person or by mail at 561-988-0070. Marilyn is a Licensed Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and will be happy to discuss with you Medicare Supplements, Life and Health Insurance, Annuities, Long Term Care, and Life Settlements.

TODAYS AWARD: FREE COPYING, FAXING AT OFFICE DEPOT FOR JOB SEEKERS THROUGH MAY 30th

Kudos to Office Depot, for recognizing these are tough times for many, and offering up to 25 single-sided free copies of resumes and free faxing to 5 different domestic numbers for job seekers.

2008 WORLD'S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES

Names you may recognize on this list include American Express, HSBC, Nike, Honda Motor Company, Sun Microsystems, FPl Group, General Electric, General Mills, Kellog, Pepsi, Caterpillar, AFLAC, International Paper, Allianz, Google, Kiplinger, Marriott, Time Warner, McDonalds, Starbucks, Gap, Ikea, Trader Joes, Vodaphone and United Parcel. For a complete list, and how they were chosen, see http://www.ethisphere.org/wme2009.

FROM FORBES, “10 THINGS TO BUY BEFORE THE ECONOMY IMPROVES”

Sadly, someday this recession is going to end. After 17 months of steep decline, both the president’s Council of Economic Advisors and the Federal Reserve now believe the conomy will begin to recover sometime in 2009. Great news, to be sure. But it’s also a warning to consumers: The deals you’re seeing on everything from houses and cars to televisions and furniture won’t last forever. Luckily for a host of goods and services, the sale of the century (literally) is still on. The reason is simple: no buyers. Personal savings in 2008 were nearly six times greater than in 2005… For those feeling bold enough to bargain shop, opportunities abound. Some deals, like housing and automobiles, might be obvious, but others, like diamonds, might not be. BIG TICKET ITEMS: At the top of the list: housing. This may be the best time in a generation to buy a home. According to the S&P/Case-Shiller US National Home Price Index, fourth-quarter 2008 prices were down 25% from the fourth quarter of 2006. The stimulus bill Congress passed in February includes an $8000 credit for first-time home buyers. According to bankrate.com, average interest rates are beginning to dip below 5% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

VISIT YESTERYEAR VILLAGE ON THE SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS

Within 10 acres on the north side of Southern Boulevard, west of the Florida Turnpike Exit in West Palm Beach, you will find buildings and artifacts from the 1850’s to the 1950’s including an old school, farm, blacksmith ship, general store and houses. Visit a replica of the 1858 Haile Plantation House, a Classic Cracker House which houses many artifacts. Many belong to Bink Glisson, a pioneer, historian, benefactor, artist, educator, humanitarian and environmentalist who was instrumental in the development of Wellington, Florida. Also featured is the only big band museum in the United States. The museum commemorates the famous Big Bands, Vocalists, Composers and their All-American Popular Music starting in 1912. Collections include period furnishings. Volunteers are dressed in period costumes, perform re-enactments, provide historical information, organize artifacts and assist in preservation of the buildings. Reserve at 561-790-5232 for a tour, which takes 2-2 ½ hours and begin around 10 am. Bring a picnic lunch and purchase candy, gift and drinks at The General Store. Adults, $5, children $3, seniors.

THE GOOD, BAD AND BETTER NEWS ON HOUSING AND MORTGAGES

Neighborhood Stabilization Programs are reaching heavily into foreclosed areas. $4BB of federal monies authorized by Congress in 2008 and another $2BB dollars in the 2009 economic stimulus package are being distributed to dozens of cities, towns and counties in the United States. These are aimed at purchasing blocks of distressed properties to create “land banks” for future redevelopers. Private investors can work jointly with nonprofits to assemble and prepare real estate for government purchase. Sidelined by the recession, now local builders and developers may be able to help reconstruct damaged houses and manage them until they are ready for resale. Contact local housing and community development agencies that are making Neighborhood Stabilization proposals to the federal government. If local officials have not yet prepared proposals for HUD, you may be able to talk to them and get the process started. Tamarac in Broward County, the closest area to Palm Beach County receiving initially distributed funds for this plan, will get almost $5MM. For Further information. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that 2 weeks ago US mortgage applications soared 32% as record low interest rates spurred home refi loans, accounting for 78.5% of all applications. Zillow.com reports that in 2008 the housing market lost an estimated $3.3 trillion in value. Credit Suisse Group AG estimates that a total of 16% of all US households (8.1MM homes) with mortgages could fall into foreclosure by 2012. The Mortgage Bankers Association estimates that at the end of 2008, a little more than 9% of all US home loans were either in arrears or foreclosure. The $75BB incentive plan for lenders applies when they lower interest rates so that a borrowers monthly mortgage payment is no more than 38% of his or her pre-tax income. Then the government program would match the amount reduced by the lender to bring payments down to 31% of their pre-tax income, or to lower the principal owed on the mortgage, according to Market Watch. Part of the initiative provides for servicers to receive $1000 for each loan modification, and government funding for each month the borrower stays current on the loan. Homeowners can also receive $1000 annually for 5 years as long as they stay current on loan payments – this comes from the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) and from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A plan allowing judges to rewrite mortgage terms for homeowners in bankruptcy court is under consideration so that rather than force people into foreclosure they can make at least some of the payments. There is a fear, however, that this “cram down” law, if passed, would stop investors from buying mortgage-backed securities, fearing judges could unilaterally change the terms of the deal the securities were created around, according to MSNBC, thereby destabilizing the marketplace.

ECONOMY DOWNTURN HITS THE UBER-WEALTHY

Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov contracted to purchase the French Riviera mansion, Villa Leopolda, for $750 million back in 2008. Now, according to the London Daily Mail, he wants his $55 million deposit back. Seller Lily Safra seems to believe a deal is a deal. Last year there were 1,125 billionaires, today there are just 793. Yes, almost thirty percent of last year's uber-rich have dropped into the ranks of multi-millionaires. Not only did the number of billionaires decline, their collective net worth shrank by a whopping $2 trillion dollars

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR AWARDED TO THOMAS R. NORRIS (Part 2)

Thomas R. Norris was born in Jacksonville, Florida. His family moved to Wisconsin and later to the Washington, D.C. area, where Norris attended the University of Maryland, intent on pursuing a career in criminology with the FBI. Graduating in 1967, Norris enlisted in the Navy when his student deferment from the draft was not extended. He volunteered for the SEALs -- the Navy's elite special-forces unit -- and after completing the brutally rigorous training program served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. In the spring of 1973, a RB-66 electronic surveillance plane was shot down over North Vietnam. One crewman, Lt. Col. Gene Hambleton, survived the bailout over North Vietnam and narrowly escaped capture. The Air Force launched an unprecedented rescue effort. In five days, over 14 people were killed, eight aircraft were lost, two rescuers were captured and two more were stranded behind enemy lines. On April 10, 1972, Norris led a five-man patrol deep into enemy territory. Separating temporarily from his patrol, he traveled alone through the jungle and located one of the downed pilots just before dawn. He led his crew safely back to their forward operating base. Later that day, a North Vietnamese rocket attack on the small base inflicted devastating casualties and compelled the medical evacuation of the one other American officer, the remaining Vietnamese officers and all but a remnant of the Vietnamese supporting force. After an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the first missing flier, two of Norris's three remaining Vietnamese commandos proved unwilling to accompany Norris on further missions. On the afternoon of the 12th, a forward air controller located the first pilot and notified Lt. Norris. Dressed as fishermen, Lt. Norris and a Vietnamese comrade, Nguyen Van Kiet, paddled a sampan up the river and found the injured pilot at dawn. Concealing him in the bottom of their vessel, Norris and Kiet headed down river to their base, dodging one North Vietnamese patrol and surviving heavy machine gun fire from a bunker along the river. This extraordinary rescue has been recounted in numerous books and a feature film, BAT-21 (starring Gene Hackman), the Air Force code name for the original reconnaissance mission. The following October he received a near-fatal head wound in action and was rescued by his fellow Navy SEAL, Michael Thornton. At first, Norris's doctors gave him little chance of recovery, but with constant encouragement from his family and from Michael Thornton, Norris fought on. In time, Norris and Thornton enjoyed the unique satisfaction of witnessing each other's Medal of Honor ceremonies at the White House. Thomas Norris ultimately realized his youthful ambition of joining the FBI. After many years of distinguished service in FBI hostage rescue operations, he now enjoys a well-earned retirement in Idaho. This story can be seen on the Military and History Channels... Thank you to Author Gary Gosnell, Southwest Airlines Pilot (Ret.)

CURRENT HOME SALES AND FORECLOSURE STATISTICS

CONSIDER THAT THE HIGH AMOUNT OF FORECLOSURES
DISTORTS THE PRICING COMPARISONS
AND AS THE FORECLOSURES ARE SOLD
THE PRICING COMPARABLES WILL CHANGE
TO REALISTIC NUMBERS

A TRUE STORY TO REMEMBER, FROM GARY GOSNELL, PILOT (RET.), SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1997, AT THE LITTLE ROCK EXCELSIOR HOTEL. During our airline crew check-in at the Excelsior Hotel front desk we were told that President Clinton & his staff was staying in the hotel. The occasion was the 40th Anniversary of the Little Rock Central High integration crisis. President Clinton was scheduled to participate in the anniversary celebration on Friday the 19th & Saturday the 20th. Additionally the Congressional Medal of Honor Society of the United State of America was also meeting in the Excelsior Hotel that same weekend. I met the first officer in the bar for a late night sandwich. The bar was crowded with White House staffers so we sat at the bar. To appear ignorant the upcoming events I asked the lady on my left who are all these people and what is the occasion. She explained they were White House Staffers and the reason for the presidential visit. When asked what she did, she said she was on the White House communication staff. A few minutes' later two older gentlemen arrived at the bar. It was obvious that they were not part of the WH staff. We invited them to join us at bar. One of six the WH staffers sitting in a booth directly behind us stopped the second gentleman, former Navy Seal, Thomas R. Norris and asked him what was thing he was wearing around his neck. (Norris was about 5'10", 230 lbs.). He responded to the WH staffer that it was the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR. Being a well-qualified Clinton white house staffer, the male staffer asked the question of the weekend, "What's that?" The Vietnam veteran, explained to the WH staffers what a CMH is and its significance. One of the six staffers in the booth apparently overcome with patriotism and love of the military, immediately left the booth and did not return. Later another WH staffer (male) sat down next to the former Navy Seal. After a little chitchat the WH staffer again asked the Seal about that thing around his neck. The Seal told the staffer about the CMH. When asked, Norris told the staffer about the events which resulted in the CMH. The staffer left after his first drink and never returned. To my left and behind me were Clinton WH staffers and to the right of the first officer were two CMH recipients. The contrast was stark. The quiet one was an Army retired Lt. Col., and the other, a former Navy Seal, both CMH recipients. We spent a couple hours asking questions and listening to their personal stories. We were honored to have met and talked with these two American Heroes. SALUTE! On January 13, 1997, in the East Room of the White House, President Clinton presented the seven Congressional Medals of Honor, one to Vernon Baker and six to the families of now deceased WWII servicemen. Eight months later some White House staffers fortunate enough to be invited to Little Rock for the 40th Anniversary had no idea what is a CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR and its significance in history of United States. A sad commentary! (…details coming about Thomas R. Norris’ and another Congressional Medal of Honor award… stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 to be posted here shortly!)

PROPERTY VALUATIONS IN QUESTION

Appraisers complained at a House financial services subcommittee recently that loan officers, Realtors, builders and others made pervasive attempts to interfere with their work, and that sometimes resulted in distorted home valuations. The President of the National Association of Home Builders said that in 2008 and 2009 appraisers “have often used sales of homes in foreclosure or other distressed property sales as comparables for new homes without making the appropriate value adjustments.” He said that depresses the true value of new homes, produces a further downward spiral in new home sales and unfairly devalues entire neighborhoods. All Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans originating after May 1^st may change, but the National Association of Mortgage Brokers has filed a federal lawsuit in US District Court in Washington asking the court to declare the entire process illegal because it bans mortgage brokers from involvement in selecting or hiring appraisers. According to the association (which represents 20,000 brokers nationally) that will directly reduce the ability of mortgage brokers to provide consumers with an efficient and cost-effective means of shopping for a mortgage. Home buyers and refinancers then may need to pay for appraisals from every mortgage company or bank they shop. Currently, a broker can obtain one appraisal at the consumer’s expense and use it to get quotes from multiple wholesale lenders.

CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE HUMAN-LIKE PET CARE

A tour of the Calusa Veterinary Center at 6900 Congress Avenue in Boca Raton, just south of Costco, will reveal an amazing, 10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art full-service veterinary medical facility where pets are treated similarly to humans. When diagnosed and tailored individual treatments are determined, your beloved pet may go to the Aquatic Center and receive hydrotherapy in a heated outdoor exercise pool and/or walk on an underwater treadmill, which provides low-level impact exercise in a reduced gravity environment. Treatments provided in the Rehab Center include deep penetrating low level laser, therapeutic ultrasound, electro-muscle stimulation, land treadmill exercises and stretching, range of motion, gait analysis. Homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractics, nutrition and herbalism are used in the Zen-inspired Holistic Center to get pets on their way to recovery. The Center’s holistic viewpoint includes consideration of their environment, the pet’s relationship with their owner and family, and disease patterns. If your pet is in need of treatment “after hours,” give Calusa Veterinary Center a call, and they will be ready when you walk in the door with your pet. Along with medical services and rehabilitation, the facility offers grooming, dental care, and boarding. Luxury boarding is available in the Barker Raton Pet Resort within the facility, and you can arrange to go online and see your pet in their boarding quarters. One focus of the Center is to promote responsible pet ownership, good nutrition, enhance the human-animal bond, and practice preventative health care. Pets are considered “seniors” at 7 years of age, and the Center has a Senior Wellness Screening package with a comprehensive physical exam. Gift cards are offered, and there is a 5% discount on the total invoice that can be used the next time, or any time you receive other services. Call 561-999-3000 to arrange for a tour. You may want to bring the kids along! Calusa serves the entire Palm Beach County area.

FROM CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER on May 14, 2009: Unfortunately, due to the current economic climate and costs involved in operating a state of the art, high quality, efficient emergency room, we have had to temporarily discontinue having a doctor on premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will continue to provide on-site, 24/7 nursing care for our hospitalized patients and pet resort guests, as well as a doctor on call, and emergency care during office hours. Calusa Veterinary Center will be open for appointments 7 days a week, including Sunday! We will be seeing appointments 8:00am-7:00pm Monday thru Friday and 9:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. We will continue to provide the highest level of care and service, with our critical care, 24 hour nurse supervised care, holistic and homeopathic center, canine rehabilitation, full surgical suite with ventilators and laser, nutritional counseling, full digital x-rays, endoscopy, ultrasound, in house laboratory, full dental suite with radiology and our pet spa and pet resort. We ask for your understanding at this time, and your continued belief in our commitment to the care of your pets. Our ER doors will open once again, in the near future. In the event of an emergency after hours, please contact our office at (561) 999-3000. One of our emergency room nurses will be here to assist you and can guide you to the closest emergency doctor available.