Monthly Archives: January 2016

CC Life

Affordable Care Act

The 2016 tax season is upon us, and one of the biggest changes to your tax filing requirement is the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  This bill was signed in March 2010 with the intention of making healthcare more affordable and accessible for taxpayers.

The ACA created Health Insurance Marketplace, where individuals needing healthcare coverage can compare and purchase a healthcare insurance policy.

The marketplace also provides an Advanced Premium Tax Credit to qualified taxpayers to offset monthly out-of-pocket costs.

Now that the 2016 tax season is upon us, it is time to reconcile those credits and ensure that each taxpayer required to carry insurance coverage has done so.

The insurance companies will be sending each taxpayer a Form 1095 (which is similar to a W2 or 1099 in that it is reported to the IRS).  This form is to ensure coverage, and reconcile any advances of the Premium Tax Credit.  Any taxpayer who has chosen not obtain coverage will be assessed with an “Individual Responsibility Payment.”

CC Life

What Expenses Will You Incur When Investing?

You invest so that you can achieve a variety of goals, such as a secure retirement. It’s inevitable, though, that you will incur some costs when investing, ranging from payments to a financial professional to costs of educational materials. So it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these expenses.

Which of these payment methods is best? There’s no one right answer for everyone. Your choice may ultimately depend on several factors, such as how involved you want to be in choosing your own investments, how frequently you plan to trade, how often you’d like to consult with an advisor, and so on. In any case, before you start working with a financial advisor, make sure you clearly understand how he or she is paid.

If you work with a financial professional – and you should, because the investment world is complex – you will need to compensate this individual for his or her expertise and guidance. Financial advisors get paid in different ways, including the following methods: Continue reading What Expenses Will You Incur When Investing? →

CC Life, Nightwriters

Sunset at Jalama Beach

nightwriters_logoBy Christi Withers

Ray rose to the sound of waves and a train’s clickety-clack as it crossed the trestle bridge over Jalama Creek. The train’s melancholy whistle faded as it headed south. This is it, Ray thought. Everything has been said. They were through.

Patti was still asleep, gently snoring as she lay tucked away in her queen size be at the tail of the couch. Ray could see her slender form, the dip in her waist where he’d rest his arm when they lay together. She used to wake him when she was restless and they would caress each other back to sleep. Now he ruminated in the front of the RV in the crow’s nest bed above the driver’s seat. He knew she needed space. She’d been telling him so for over a year.

Ray sneaked out to watch the Milky Way wash brightly across the midnight sky and hoped for a sign. He believed in signs. Tonight the big dipper hung oddly in the north with its handle pointing straight down from its scoop and Jupiter hid behind the hill. Ray surrendered and headed back to bed until it was light enough to pack up. Continue reading Sunset at Jalama Beach →

CC Life, Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Jan. 28–Feb. 10, 2016

There will be a 3rd District Supervisor debate Jan. 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St. Seating is limited and doors open at 6:30. The debate will not be moderated and will have no time limits or pre-determined questions. Audience members will ask questions.
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St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church will celebrate, “Shrove Tuesday” with a pancake supper with all the trimmings set for 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9. Donations accepted. Shrove Tuesday, known as the feast before the fast,” signals the beginning of Lent. St. Peter’s is located at 545 Shasta Ave.
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The Morro Bay Resource Connections Office, Estero Bay Alliance for Care and Morro Bay Seniors, Inc., will host a lunch and HomeShare Program presentation from noon-2 p.m. Saturday. Jan. 30 at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way. All are welcome to attend this free public event. Laura Fanucchi, associate executive director at HIP Housing in San Mateo, and a board member of the National Shared Housing Resource Center, will explain how the approximately 60 HomeShare programs in the U.S. typically work, including questions of matching and liability. Fanucchi, Miriam Hall, HomeShare Program manager at Affordable Living for the Aging Los Angeles, and Kimberly Sloan and Amber Fedosh from ElderHelp San Diego’s HomeShare will answer questions and explain how a local program may provide community benefit.
••• Continue reading Community Calendar: Jan. 28–Feb. 10, 2016 →

CC Life, Judy Salamacha

La Belle Olives Lady Remembered

Judy Salamacha
Judy Salamacha

By Judy Salamacha

Have you ever met someone who seems like the most likable person in the world and then you get to know them and they aren’t so perfect and have flaws just like the rest of us?

Patti Sackmann, co-owner with her husband Steve of La Bella Olives & Gourmet Foods, was a rare find among humans. She was consistently friendly, funny, interesting, positive, loyal, generous and likable, and said things that you remembered.

I couldn’t help but devote some column time to my friend although we met up only occasionally. I knew her other “friends” at area Farmer’s Markets and special events like the Arroyo Grande Judy Sal COL-- Patti SackmanStrawberry Festival or Paso Robles Olive Festival, would be wondering where she was? Shoppers and planners alike would wonder why Patti Sackmann was not there smiling in 2016?

Another product vendor has no doubt already claimed her premier space particularly at Pismo Beach’s Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays and on Saturdays at Morro Bay’s Community Market, but that would be perfectly fine with Patti. She would want everyone to move on because she decided to accept her olive tasting duties in the big beyond she believed was waiting for her. Continue reading La Belle Olives Lady Remembered →