Money
THE PRESS
JANUARY 27, 2017
matter$
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Your One-Stop Workforce Solution Corporate and Small Business • • • •
PAYROLL SERVICES • 925-240-2400
2B
|
THEPRESS.NET
JANUARY 27, 2017
MONEY MATTERS
Leading the industry in technology, integrity AMY SCHRADER
F
ifteen years ago, when payroll services were all about cutting checks and making tax depos-
Chris Flores, applications and systems administrator with California Payroll, is an integral part of the company’s team – working to bring the latest in technology to all their clients.
its, California Payroll settled into the Brentwood East Bay community, where it could be regionally located and develop lasting partnerships and relationships with clients. Back then, the start-up company, founded by Henry Lonsdale, vice president of sales, and Debbie Mendivil, vice president of operations, was in the midst of an industry trend in which their competitors were moving out of state or overseas to save money. “We wanted to stay regionally located so we could maintain a relationship with our clients,” said Lonsdale. The founders chose Brentwood as their operational office, so their employON THE COVER: The staff at California Payroll puts their clients first and works hard to create personalized solutions that meet the individual needs of their clientele.
Photo by Tony Kukulich
ees could enjoy a healthy work-life balance, without spending hours each day commuting. This resulted in very low turnover and employees who became experts in the industry and in serving the needs of
their clients. The combination of planting roots in the region they serve and creating a work environment enabling their employees to thrive led the company to expand both
Your Preferred Community Lender
their services and their stretch nationwide. They became a leader in the payroll and workforce-management industry. see Payroll page 7B
JANUARY 27, 2017
MONEY MATTERS
THEPRESS.NET
How to save money on everyday expenses
S
|
Don’t Gamble With Your Taxes
aving money on everyday
First 50 callers to book appointment could get up to
expenses is a worthy goal for many. Certain expenses,
30% OFF 201 UBY SFUVSO fee paid.
such as loan payments, may be more
Subject to minimum pricing
difficult to pare down than others, but there are ways to save without drastically overhauling your daily routines.
Transportation
Transportation is a significant expense for many drivers. The Federal Highway Administration notes that the average American family devotes 19 percent of its monthly budget to transportation costs. A 2011 report from the American Public Transportation Association found individuals who ride public transportation could save more than $10,000 annually. That figure is closely tied to fuel costs, but even when fuel costs are low, people can still save substantial amounts of money by utilizing pubic transportation
instead of driving themselves to work every day. Even those who live in autodependent exurbs, where families devote 25 percent of their monthly
Local Family Owned & Operated
Brentwood / Oakley
925.487.6383
AandGprinting.com
Call Us Today for a Custom Quote!
Make A&G your go-to solution for all your printing needs!
see Save page 6B
Property Management Real Estate Agent
2016
2016 L
Real Estate Ofce Real Estate Team
R MEDAL VE AWARD
E MEDA NZ AWARD
SIL
SIL
2016
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
Brown-bagging lunch, instead of eating out each day, can save hundreds of dollars per year.
BR O
R MEDAL VE AWARD
3B
At WR Properties we are a group of professional Realtors® dedicated to serving East Contra Costa County and the needs of our clients with the highest level of Integrity, Compassion, Expertise and Unparalleled Customer Service in the industry.
We are Winning Results... Delivered!
5901 Marina Road, #11 Discovery Bay • (925) 634-3125
www.WRPropertiesBayArea.com
R MEDAL VE AWARD
2016
SIL
9040 Brentwood Blvd., Suite B-1 Brentwood • (925) 634-3100
4B
|
THEPRESS.NET
JANUARY 27, 2017
MONEY MATTERS
Face tax season with Reagan Management AMY SCHRADER
Tax preparation is all in the family at Reagan Management Services in Brentwood. Pat and Ron Reagan and their son, David York, left, work to provide clients with the most accurate and up-to-date tax information.
T
ax season is officially upon us, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to decide
who’s preparing your taxes. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), more than 153 million individual tax returns will be filed in 2017. While some choose to file their taxes themselves, others hire an expert to help them navigate changes in tax laws and maximize their returns. Reagan Management Services, a fullservice accounting practice in Brentwood, has been serving the community since 1979, providing quality service and trustworthy tax expertise. “We find a strategy that works for our clients,” said Ron Reagan, co-owner of the family-operated firm. “Our tax knowledge is constantly growing. This year alone, there’s more than 800 new tax laws. We have to stay on top of laws that are constantly evolving and find the best way to help our clients.” Besides income tax services for individuals and small businesses, their services include bookkeeping, business management, financial statements, business entity selection and IRS representation. Regardless of the service,
Press file photo
the Reagans build long-lasting relationships with their clients based on trust, compassion for every individual and paramount knowledge of constantly evolving tax laws. Ron Reagan’s expertise includes being enrolled to practice before the IRS, an elite status awarded by the service for tax representation, and a master’s degree in taxation. He is also a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, California Society of Enrolled Agents, National Society of Public Accountants and the National Association of Tax Professionals. His wife, Patricia Reagan, co-owner of Reagan Management Services, is a California
eagan Management Services R M S R Brentwood’s Premier Tax Service Income Tax Services for Individuals & Small Businesses Audit & Representation Bookkeeping Serving Contra Costa County since 1979
60 Eagle Rock Way (Off of Balfour, next to Vic Stewart’s)
www.ReaganManagementServices.com
MEDAL LD AWARD
2016
GO
925-240-1242
registered tax preparer, with a degree in business management and accounting. An integral part of their family-operated firm is their son David York, who also has the elite status of enrolled agent with the IRS and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. The family is not only guided by their expertise and professional experience, but also by their commitment to make the world and their community a better place. When they aren’t working, the family is often involved in community service. “It has always been important for us to give back to the community, as well as give support and encouragement to those
in need,” said Patricia. “We have always tried to bring people and different groups together for a common good.” Ron and Patricia became involved with many nonprofits and community-building groups, including co-founding the Contra Costa Minister’s Conference, which allows them to connect with many nonprofit groups. Ron is currently the chairman of the Contra Costa County Aviation Advisory Committee and sits on the Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Commission. “I think people should step out and try to find something they believe in,” said Patricia. “It’s all about finding something you believe in and doing what you can to make the world we live in a better place.” Their commitment to serve, and expertise in their field, has earned the Reagans respect from the community, as well as loyalty from their clients. “When you’re dealing with a tax preparer, you need to find someone you can trust, and that’s who the Reagans are,” said John Kenney, owner of JDK & Associates in Brentwood. “They work with honesty and integrity and are extremely professional and trustworthy.” Reagan Management Services is located at 60 Eagle Rock Way Suite C, in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-240-1242 or visit www.reaganmanagementservices.com. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
JANUARY 27, 2017
MONEY MATTERS
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
A power of attorney is a key document to have in an estate plan.
Power of attorney can protect your loved ones
L
ife is full of the unexpected, but just because the future is unpredictable does not mean
you shouldn’t prepare for what lies ahead. Estate planning is important, and establishing power of attorney can be essential for men and women looking to protect their financial resources and other assets. A power of attorney, or POA, is a document that enables an individual to appoint a person or organization to manage their affairs should they become unable to do so. According to the National Caregivers Library, POA is granted to an attorney-in-fact or agent, giving a person the legal authority to make decisions for an incapacitated principal. The laws for creating a power of attorney vary depending on location, but there are some general similarities regardless of geography. Many people believe their families will be able to step in if an event occurs that leaves them incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. Unfortunately, this is not always true. If a person is not named as an agent or granted legal access to financial, medical and other pertinent information, family members’ hands may be tied. In addition, the government may appoint someone to make certain decisions for an individual if no POA is named. Just about everyone can benefit from establishing an attorney-in-fact. Doing so does not mean they cannot live independently, but it will remove the legal barriers
involved should a person no longer be physically or mentally capable of managing certain tasks. Power of attorney is a broad term that covers various aspects of decision-making. According to the legal resource ‘Lectric Law Library, the main types of POA include general power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, durable power of attorney and special power of attorney. Many of the responsibilities overlap, but there are some subtle legal differences. For example, durable power of attorney relates to all the appointments involved in general, special and healthcare powers of attorney being made ‘durable.’ This means the document will remain in effect or take effect if a person becomes mentally incompetent. Certain powers of attorney may fall within a certain time period. An agent appointed through POA may be able to handle the following, or more, depending on the verbiage of the document: ♦♦ banking transactions ♦♦ buying or selling property ♦♦ settling claims ♦♦ filing tax returns ♦♦ managing government-supplied benefits ♦♦ maintaining business interests ♦♦ making estate-planning decisions ♦♦ deciding on medical treatments ♦♦ selling personal property ♦♦ fulfilling advanced healthcare directives Although a power of attorney document can be filled out and an agent appointed on one’s own, working with an estate-planning attorney to better understand the intricacies of this vital document is advised. – Courtesy Metro Creative
THEPRESS.NET
|
Even a well-built 401(k) can get a bit rusty Like that classic, faded roadster in the garage, your old retirement plan may need some work. If you’ve changed jobs or left a 401(k) behind, we can help. We’ll explore options for getting your retirement planning outlook into optimal condition. Call when you’re ready to talk.
Renee Parrett, Senior Financial Advisor First Vice President – Investments 1115 Second St., Brentwood, CA 94513 Direct: 925-513-6004 renee.c.parrett@wellsfargo.com • wellsfargoadvisors.com CA Insurance # 0C92754 Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. 0916-04574 [99875-v1] A2111 (3563901_509353)
5B
6B
|
THEPRESS.NET
JANUARY 27, 2017
MONEY MATTERS
Save from page 3B budgets to transportation costs, can save by carpooling to work, which allows commuters to split fuel and toll costs, while also reducing wear and tear on their vehicles. That reduced wear and tear will add years to a vehicle’s life, saving drivers money as a result.
Food
Food is another daily expense where money can likely be saved. A 2013 survey from Visa found that the average person goes out for lunch twice a week, spending $10 each time. That adds up to more than
There are ways to save without drastically overhauling your daily routines. $1,000 annually. By bringing their own lunches to work, working professionals can save hundreds of dollars per year. In addition to the financial benefits of brown-bagging lunches, people can
reap nutritional rewards by packing healthy meals for themselves. Men and women who eat out for lunch each day will have to eat whatever is offered near their offices, whether it’s healthy or not. Individuals also can save money by bringing their own coffee to work each day, rather than relying on coffee shops to satisfy their morning java fix.
Entertainment
Entertainment is another area where many people can likely save money. NBC News reported in 2015 that
the average cable bill was $99 per month, and that was before 2016 rate increases were announced by a host of providers, including DirecTV, Dish Network and Time Warner Cable. Streaming services such as Netflix ($9.99 per month), Amazon Prime ($99 per year) and Hulu Plus ($7.99) combine to cost a fraction of that figure, and such services continue to increase their offerings. Adults interested in trimming their daily expenses can access all three services for less than $320 per year or a little more than three months’ worth of cable bills. – Courtesy Metro Creative
A Reverse Mortgage: Is it too good to be true? By Beth Miller-Rowe
Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist • The Reverse Mortgage Group • A Branch of American Pacic Mortgage
Time is a funny thing. It inuences everything … everything! It goes very fast in hindsight, but very slowly in the moment. Looking back, you wonder where it went, and looking forward, you wonder what it will bring. At 57 years old, I often wonder where all that time went. I look back over the years in my head, and it almost seems like looking over the highway with the heat waves oating across the pavement. I see it all out there in one view, not as a running lm, but literally, all in one view. I see my Mom and Dad in all their splendor, I see my sisters and I playing four-square, and I see the birth of my babies, all in the same view as them heading off for college. And yet, I look into the future and I cannot see what is coming my way. What I do see is 30, 40, even perhaps 50 years of retirement that is yet to be fully funded. It is called the retirement-funding crisis. It is no secret that we are not prepared nancially for the longevity in front of us. One tool that is becoming more and more popular is the FHA Insured Reverse Mortgage (HECM). The reverse mortgage allows seniors to access a percentage of the equity in their home without having to take on a monthly payment. The percentage is based on the youngest borrower’s age. The older you are, the more you can borrow. The FHA insured reverse mortgage has a little gem built into the program called the HECM Line of Credit growth rate. Today, that growth rate is a bit over 5.5 percent. This means if you start with a $250,000 unused line of credit with a growth rate of 5.5 percent, at the end of the rst year, you will have $263,750 available to draw from your line of credit. If you continue to leave it there to grow, at the end of the second year, you will have approximately $278,256 available to draw, and so on. This is the ultimate example of the time value of money - take out the reverse mortgage line of credit early in retirement and
let it grow over several years, so the available funds have increased to a much larger available pool. The time value of money is a mathematical concept that describes the fact that there is more nancial benet when we receive money earlier rather than later. Nowhere is that more true than here with the HECM Line of Credit Growth Feature. The reverse mortgage does require you to pay off your current outstanding mortgage, and then the remaining funds can be set up in the line of credit. This will increase your monthly cash ow, leaving you more ‘fun money,’ and hopefully, allow you to leave the rest of the funds in the line of credit to enjoy the growth feature. As you can see above the rate of growth not only as a percentage, but also in actual dollars, is extraordinary.
The other benets of the reverse mortgage line of credit are: • The bank cannot terminate the line of credit based on the current value of your house, as we saw many banks do back in 2008. • There are no payments required to be made, although you can make payments if you choose. • If you ever end up owing more on your home than it is worth, HUD pays the decit. There is no personal recourse to you or to your heirs. • The reverse mortgage is not due and payable until you decide to sell the house or you pass away. Of course, you can repay it at any time, without penalty. • You own your home just as you do today. *Borrower must be 62 years old or older. You are required to pay the property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and HOA dues, if any. If you do not, this is considered a default on the terms of the loan.
When I discuss the line of credit growth feature with new clients, this is the time they usually say it seems too good to be true. I know it may seem that way, but HUD had some genius when they designed the
reverse mortgage program. Some brilliant minds put this program together to allow seniors to stay in their homes throughout their retirement and included the consumer protections needed to insure those seniors are provided the benets safely. If you would like more information about reverse mortgages, I am happy to come to your home and review the program, costs and requirements in detail. I will answer all your questions and leave the information with you to review. If you decide it is the right path for you, then you give me a call and we will go forward.
The bottom line is money is worth more today than it is tomorrow!
Office: 925-969-0380 Cell: 925-381-8264 Beth@YourReverse.com 3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
BRE: 00950759/01215943 • NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act
JANUARY 27, 2017
MONEY MATTERS
THEPRESS.NET
|
7B
Payroll from page 2B
We build a rapport with our clients and have a strong team of players who are experts in the industry and build partnerships with our clients to better serve them. – Henry Lonsdale, founder and vice president of sales their internal processes, which not only gives them a peace of mind that the job will be done correctly, but also frees up their time and valuable resources. Businesses can choose which services fit their needs, allowing California Payroll to create personalized solutions that meet their clients’ unique demands. “For the past 10 years, we have
benefited from having a dedicated account (representative), personalized customer service and a user-friendly system,” said Jessica Coffey, director of human resources for FirstSteps for Kids Inc. “Our account (representative) is always quick to respond and knows the system inside and out. She is always available when I need her, which is why we
love California Payroll.” For California Payroll, the relationship with their clients is everything. “We build a rapport with our clients and have a strong team of players who are experts in the industry and build partnerships with our clients to better serve them,” said Lonsdale. The staff at California Payroll is proud to have reached the 15-year mile marker. Their path will be guided by technology and changes in legislation that continue to challenge and shape the culture of business. For more information, visit www.californiapayroll.com or call 1-800-713-7007. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
MEDAL LD AWARD
2016
GO
As they celebrate their 15th anniversary, they have clients with offices in 46 states, ranging from small businesses to corporations with thousands of employees, and they have continued to be guided by integrity, trust, honesty and responsiveness. “We’re different than we were 15 years ago,” said Lonsdale. “We may have started with payroll and taxes, but we have moved to human capital management, providing payroll, timekeeping, attendance and human-resource software and services that are integrated into one platform that meets the needs of our clients.” Technology has been paramount to their growth. California Payroll’s integrated platforms have allowed employers and employees to access personal information online, request or approve time off, track their used sick and vacations days, manage schedules and view financial data, reporting and more – all accessible from an integrated user-friendly platform via mobile technology. This is not only convenient, but also necessary. Over the past 15 years, the needs of businesses have changed, as they face a constant stream of changing legislation with strict enforcements. It has become difficult and costly to stay on top of the requirements. As a result, more businesses are relying on California Payroll’s expertise to provide tools and technology to manage
THEPRESS.NET
GO
Comfort is our middle name!
925.580.8875
www.elitecomfortsystems.com
L
SIL
• Carpet • Upholstery • Natural Stone • Tile • Grout
20 2 100
R MEDA VE AWARD
SIL
L
2013
Clean-Seal-Protect SAFE for Kids and Pets!
240-8860
www.pristinefinecarpet.com
Offering Boat, RV & Trailer Storage
$50 FLAT RATE + Deposit
Open 7 Days a Week, Dawn to Dusk On-site Security
(925) 625-1940
WATER HEATERS • FAUCETS • LEAK DETECTION GARBAGE DISPOSALS • TOILETS REPIPES • DRAIN CLEANING • HYDRO JETTING DRAIN & SEWER CLEANING • GAS LINES
• Illustration
Email: debra.janis@gmail.com
Website: debrajanis.carbonmade.com
Will Put You on Top of Your Game!
SIL
$100 OFF 4 Regular Cleanings
“QUALITY IS WHAT WE SPECIALIZE IN”
• DEEP CLEANING • BASIC CLEANING • WEEKLY / BI-WEEKLY / MONTHLY • MOVE IN/OUT
www.royalhousecleaningservices.com
Owners: Francisco & Fatima Salazar • Lic #032657
Email: Franciscosm83@outlook.es
MEDAL LD AWARD
GO
2016
· Tile & Stone Cleaning, Sealing · Upholstery Cleaning · Recommended by National Flooring and Supply · High quality work, fair pricing www.dependablecarpetcleaning.net
GO
SIL
SIL
GO
BR O
Y! TODA K O O B
MEDA L LD AWARD
2008
(925) 381-4288
www.johngardenier.com
MEDA L LD AWARD
MEDA L LD AWARD
11 2011 10 20 20 2010
MEDAL LD AWARD
MEDAL LD AWARD
20 2 133 2014
Most repairs done on first visit saving you time & money.
• Installations Available • 1 Year Warranty Parts & Labor REFRIGERATORS • WASHERS • DRYERS • RANGES MICROWAVES • DISHWASHERS • DISPOSALS
634-0179 CALL US FIRST!
Lic. # A41543
AGENCY, INC. “Your Home & Auto Specialists” New location • New company Same excellent service
Lic. #0G87207 www.TwinRiversiInsuranceAgency.com
MARITZA
416 W. 2nd Street Antioch, CA 925-778-6206 www.facebook.com/musicandmore
FERTADO HEATING & AIR Jack Fertado Owner
SHEET METAL FABRICATION Gutters & Downspouts
RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL
INSTALLATION & SERVICE Free Estimates On New Installations And Replacements State Contractor's Lic. #792474
925 754-2730 www.fertadoheatandair.com
MEDAL LD AWARD
2016
• Stocked Service Vehicles
Call Dale Manning
925-777-2180
Family Owned 2016 & Operated HVAC Installation, Repairs & Maintenance
Retail Rentals Recording & More
Call for a FREE Estimate!
Direct (925) 238-4545 Office (925) 470-9544
Children’s Parties School Functions Adult Parties Corporate Events All Events Big and Small
GO
F&F PRO PAINTING • Residential & Commercial • Interior & Exterior • Unbeatable Prices!
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
New Clients Only
925.437.3211
MEDA L LD AWARD
20 2 088
2221 Balfour Road, Suite C • Brentwood www.parkwayfamilydentistry.com • 240-7071
925.628.9745
BodyBySanti
BodyBySanti.com
Imran A, Rizvi, DDS
GO
• Murals
R MEDAL VE AWARD
Fawaz Habib, DDS
• Artwork
COMPLETE HOME REPAIRS
R MEDA VE AWARD
• Family Dentistry • Cosmetic • Dentures
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED FOR OVER 35 YEARS
FAST 24 HOUR SERVICE
With over 26 years of successful experience in personal training & nutrition Call Today for a FREE Training and Consultation (925) 783-9625 016 4525 O’Hara Ave, Brentwood 2
MEDAL LD AWARD
Come in for an Exam and recieve FREE Whitening Trays
PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINMENT
Clean • Courteous • Dependable
WWW.AMPLUMBING.COM LIC.#418845
Lic. #018971 • Bonded & Insured
R MEDAL VE AWARD
201420 2 133 20 2 111
JOHN GARDENIER
8413 Byron Highway, Brentwood (Just N. of Sunset Rd.)
American Plumbing
925-516-2101
E MEDA NZ AWARD
20166
FREE ESTIMATE Adriana
Call 925-234-0573 for your free estimate.
Longway T’Go Ranch R MEDA VE AWARD
925-234-0573
GO
No Heat? No Air? Elite will be there!
MEDAL LD AWARD
2016
10% OFF Deep Clean
GO
• Residential • Installation • Commercial • Repairs • Maintenance • & More!
Adriana Beddingfield’s attention to detail and dedicated work ethic has propelled Absolute Housekeeping’s status as one of the Best of Brentwood for nine years running. Offering monthly, biweekly and move-in or move-out adaptable scheduling is just one way Adriana maintains a client base dependent on her flexibility and reliability. From windows and blinds to deep cleaning services, Absolute Housekeeping’s bonded and insured staff members have provided professional and dependable services to the East County community for over ten years.
GO
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
• Monthly • Deep Clean • Windows • Biweekly • Move-In/Out • Blinds
L
Support Your Local Businesses!
LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE
L
CALLING CARD CORNER Lic. #900119
JANUARY 27, 2017
GO
|
GO
8B
MEDAL LD AWARD
OAKLEY PRESS
OA KLEY
Trevor J. Sanford, Owner Barney J. Sanford, Owner 3900 A Main Street, Oakley
925-625-4822
www.sanfordandsonsmech.com MECHANICAL SERVICES
Lic. #1005759
LAST SPOT $59.99
FOR AS LOW AS
Reach Bwd - Oak - D.B. Call Today 634-1441