Property Taxes are due today (or at the very least, must be postmarked by today, the 10th of December) and no extensions are not being granted unless you are over the age of 62, made less than $35K last year, and have 20 per cent or more equity in your primary residence.  I don’t know about you, but that leaves me out in the cold, literally.  Waiting in line at the county assessor’s office, or waiting in line at the local post office to make sure I avoid those nasty late charges, fees, and penalties.  If I was thinking ahead, I would have sent my payment and stub to an out of state (or even out of the country) friend complete with the appropriate postage.  That way, my taxes would have been properly postmarked, but the government would receive it much later the rest, buying me a few extra days to come up with the funds.

Many California residents are experiencing the effects of an unprecedented drop in real estate value.  Adding insult to injury, property tax bills are not reflecting any decrease at all, in fact, most would indicate a rise in value.  I have heard experts explain away this confounding phenomenon by pointing to the assessor’s outdated records as well as an historic 2 per cent annual raise in taxable property value that is more or less standard despite a much more volatile real estate market.

One thing that does not change during a recession, depression, credit crunch or other economic crisis is the constant need for us all to take good care of ourselves.  Physical and mental healthcare are of the utmost importance, especially during tough times that can be hard on one’s psyche.  If you are looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, let me suggest a Massage or Spa Package from Tropical Waters Spa and Salon

1. Brian Haack Says:
   June 19th, 2009 at 10:07 am

   vERY INTERESTING