Clearwater

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Written by Heidi Lux

Category: Clearwater

Published: 12 October 2009

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Credit card debt is a problem for many people, but one man’s negative experience with it has inspired him to help others.

Peter Repak, president and founder of Clear Financial – a debt settlement company – emigrated from Hungary with his wife. In order to establish credit when he arrived in America, as is required in modern times, Repak got a credit card. He paid his bills on time, never missing a payment, but found himself in hot water when his wife became ill. She required two very expensive surgeries, and was unable to get health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. Under such financial strain, Repak called his credit card company, to ask if it would be alright to miss a single payment. The company said yes, assuring him there would be no penalties. However, Repak soon discovered the company had raised his interest rate from 6% to 29%. He was financially ruined.

Read more: "Plastic Handcuffs" - Credit...

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Written by Alice Roses

Category: Clearwater

Published: 22 September 2009

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After the success of the Women Mean Business expo, Plan B Expo will be putting on their next expo, Diversity Means Business on November 3rd from 4 to 8 pm at The Conmy Center in Dunedin, Florida.

Diversity Means Business will be a “fun networking expo with something for everyone,” says event coordinator Lil Barcaski. The expected attendance is well over 500, since their last expo had nearly 700 people in attendance.

Read more: Plan B Expo Presents...

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Written by Heidi Lux

Category: Clearwater

Published: 09 October 2009

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On September 15th, the Harborview Center in Downtown Clearwater played host to the Taste of Clearwater. This annual event provides attendees with the opportunity to sample food from more than fifty restaurants and five beverage providers in the Clearwater area. Samples and tastings were free with the purchase of the $20 admission ticket. An estimated 1,000 people attended the event this year. There was “a variety of dishes from American cuisine to more exotic fare – from hamburgers and spicy wings to sashimi and Thai food,” said Sherri Callahan of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The goal [of the event] is to bring the community together for food and fun.”

Read more: Restaurants and Food on...

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Written by Heidi Lux

Category: Clearwater

Published: 15 September 2009

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(*First is defined as not having owned a home in the last three years.)

The government is offering a one-time credit of $8,000, (or 10 % of the purchase price, whichever is the lesser amount ) of your first home. For example, if you buy a home for $76,000, then you would qualify for a credit of $7,600. But if you pay more than $80,000 for your new home, then you would qualify for an $8,000 credit.

How do you take advantage of this incredible offer? You must purchase a home that will be your main home before December 1, 2009. You will even qualify if you bought your first home after April 8, 2008. Then you have some options as to how you get your money from the government.

The fastest way that I know of is to do a Rapid Amended Return to your 2008 tax return. However, I heard a rumor that I’m tracking down that would allow you to get your money before you purchase a home. So far I haven’t confirmed that, but if I get that confirmation, I will write an update in my next column.

The other way to obtain the credit is to simply fill out a Form 5405 that you submit with your 2009 taxes.

Personally, I think amending your 2008 tax return might be the best way to go. You would get a check in the mail -- as long as you don’t owe the IRS any money, that is!

We’re running out of time to get your new home before December 1, 2009 and a tax credit from the government! So act fast and call me today!

Pam Ryan Anderson
Real Estate Broker, Ryan Realty
(727) 442-2822