Enrolled Agent Scott Macklin of Whitehead CPAs in Huntington Beach, CA

Scott Macklin, an Enrolled Agent who works for Whiteheadcpa.com, is your representative to the IRS. Enrolled Agents, Attorneys and CPAs are the only people capable of representing you to the IRS whether for audit or other tax disputes. This is from the IRS site:

Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.

Scott warned us that the IRS was going after SCorps and that they were specifically focused on officer loans. He said that all draws are considered wages so be careful with them. Another possible trouble spot was promissory notes on draws.

Scott also advised us that in the case of differing opinions about a return you should “pay first, dispute later” in order to avoid future trouble not to mention penalties and interest.

Scott closed out with a warning: “The IRS is like a stone rolling down hill – don’t get in it’s way!”

If you need an enrolled agent or a Certified Public Accountant feel free to contact Whiteheadcpa.com.

714-841-0995
Fax: 714-841-2305
18592 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
scott@whiteheadcpa.com
www.whiteheadcpa.com

Image Consultant, Candice Young of Salon Ecco

Candice Young, our image consultant based in Costa Mesa but serving Irvine all of Orange County, California, is also the author of a book entitled “Before the Scissors Cut”. The book is a tool that anyone can use to get the best possible results out of their personal hair stylist by asking the right questions “Before the Scissors Cut”.

Candice has been trained at the Sassoon Academy in London, has Redken Microscopic Hair Analysis training and has been doing Image Consulting work since 2000.

Candice reminded us that we should NOT take ourselves for granted, what we know and what we do is unique to us. She recommended the healthy exercise of writing down all of the things you’ve done as a reminder to yourself. She likes working with young people, helping them find out who they are and related to us the story of the skeptical young girl she helped out with a cute, short, new “no blow dry” haircut and what a difference it made to her.

Candice offered to everyone, even those who currently have a hair dresser, to come in and have a FREE “no cut” consultation, in other words get a “check up” on your image.

Candice told us a recent success story in which a woman was limited to slicking back her hair because it was breaking off and falling out due to a poorly done perm. This woman was from traveling from the Inland Empire to seek out Candice which says a lot.

Finally Candice told us about how her Redken Microscopic Hair Analysis has taught her that curly hair needs more moisture and that one treatment is generally not enough.

If you need expert hair analysis by a Redken Microscopic Hair Analysis expert or an Image Consultant contact Candice Young.

714-651-3529
270 S.Bristol, Ste 102
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
yourimagebycy@gmail.com
www.yourimagebycandiceyoung.com

A question was asked about maintenance: the panels themselves just need to be sprayed down with water if they get dirty to keep them at maximum efficiency. The power inverter has a lifespan of between 12 – 15 years and if you’re on the lease program that would be included.

The solar panels themselves are guaranteed to be working at 80% efficiency at the end of their 25 year life cycle.

John told us that flat roofs are not a problem as they have a flat roof rack mounting system for their solar panels.

If you are interested in significantly lowering your power bill while helping reduce the use of fossil fuels give John a call.

949-500-8160
jwilson@sunwize.com
www.sunwize.com

Property Manager Orang County - Don Deering of Lion Property Management

Don Deering, our property management expert based in Fountain Valley but serving Irvine and all of Orange County, California, updated us on the state of the property management business. Don mentioned that the housing market has driven a lot of folks in to renting homes which is the area in which he specializes: single family homes for rent. Don now has over 500 individual properties under management and he had ZERO evictions in 2011. His secret is in his careful screening process but in the event that a tenant does have difficulties Don and his team are quick to engage the renter in a heart to heart talk about what is going on with them. If they cannot muster what is needed they are counseled about the difficulty of renting again with a forced eviction on their records.

Lion Properties is a full-service property management company: they can take care of home repairs using their vetted network of contractors, they have a nationwide network of other property managers that they can refer you to if you have a home out of state, they can pay your mortgage or HOA dues if you’d like them to.

If you need an expert property manager in Irvine or anywhere else in Orange County, California please give Don Deering of Lion Property Management a call.

Don Deering
714-378-1480
10101 Slater #212
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
lionproperties.com
deardon@verizon.net

Don’s Google Places page: Lion Property Management Orange County

Sheila Gershwin of Pressworks.com, your printer for Orange County

Sheila Gershwin, our printing broker based in Huntington Beach but serving all of Orange County, California, reminded us that she can print ANY job! She has over 30 years of printing experience and contacts in all aspects of 4-color printing, bindery and printing-related services. Below is a laundry list of the printing services she can provide.

• Custom 3-ring binders for internal documentation, sales sheets, Product Data sheets, MSDS and much more with your logo and contact info
• Computer checks of all shapes and sizes to run through your laser printer or check printer
• Endorsement stamps
• Corporate stamps
• Labels
• Stickers
• Stationery
• Brochures of all shapes and sizes
• Business Cards: check out her current special offer – 1,000 each 4-color business cards for  $40.00 with your provided print ready artwork

Sheila Gershwin of Pressworks.com, your printer for Orange County

Our printer Sheila Gershwin of Pressworks.com is offering  1,000 4-color Business Cards for $40.00!

The world needs to know about this door buster special!

Not having artwork is NOT an issue, Sheila can refer you out to a qualified graphic artist.

Go here for a more detailed list of Sheila’s printing services.

714.274.9524 office
714.369.0166 cell
714.274-9551 fax
sheila@pressworks.com
www.pressworks.com

Dave's Flowers will bring beautiful bouquets!

Wednesday February 8th

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Light snacks refreshments will be served. The Ballards are always great hosts!

Dave’s Flowers, our Valentine florist, will have beautiful arrangements on hand. Why not consider one for a great combination gift?

Special price consideration that evening only!

Bring your Valentine and celebrate together!

Personal Injury Attorney Orange County

Imagine you are driving on the 405 freeway and a person in the next lane sideswipes your car, pushes you into the raised barrier and then takes off. A hit and run.

Your car is not drivable and you are not able to get the license number of his truck.

You are hurt and are taken away by ambulance to the Emergency Room where you are admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.

Will your auto insurance cover your injuries?

It will if you have uninsured-motorist coverage and if you meet the following requirements per 11580.2 of the Insurance Code:

1. Your injuries must have been caused by physical contact with your vehicle;
2. The accident must be reported within 24 hours to a local law enforcement agency;
3. You or your legal representative must file a statement under oath with your insurance company within 30 days after the accident stating you have a claim against the unidentified person.

What if there was no contact between the truck and your car?

No coverage.

What if the accident was not reported to law enforcement within 24 hours?

No coverage.

What if you fail to file a statement under oath within 30 days?

No coverage.

Let’s change it up a little. How about if in the same scenario a water heater falls off of the truck and strikes your car, causing you to lose control of your car and crash into the raised barrier?

Will your auto insurance policy cover your injuries?

It will if the water heater was still moving before the impact with your car. But it will not be covered if the water heater came to a stop on the freeway before you hit it.

Why is this the law?

In 1961 Insurance Code Section 11580.2 was changed to limit insurance coverage to prevent fraud and collusion and to avoid payment where the insured person caused the accident.

It would be easy to blame a phantom vehicle anytime you lose control of your car and become injured. These rules apply even if you have an eyewitness who will testify that the unidentified vehicle caused the crash. No exceptions.

Assuming you meet these requirements, what can you collect from your uninsured-motorist coverage?

Essentially the same damages you could recover from the responsible party, up to your policy limits:

Subject to proof:

1. Economic damages (past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other out of pocket losses).
2. Non-economic damages for your pain, suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, grief, anxiety and humiliation.

Do you need uninsured-motorist insurance if you already have health insurance?

Yes, if you want to be able to collect anything beyond your medical expenses.

If you have further questions about this complex area of the law and what you are covered for under Uninsured Motorist Insurance please give Don a call.

Don Sjaarda
Tel: (714) 963-8216
Fax: (714) 964-5597
Centennial Plaza 18837 Brookhurst Street Suite 107
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-7301
info@personalinjury-attorney.com
www.personalinjury-attorney.com

1. First click on the link next to the person’s name below or visit the LeTip WOC site and click on one of the links to a blog article listed there.
2. Next, look for the social sharing icons at the very, very bottom of the blog post (see screen capture below).
3. Click on the social sharing icon of your choice to be taken to your account at the given service, say Facebook.
4. You will be prompted to log in to Facebook and be given a chance to comment on link you will be posting. Write someting that gives context to the link you are posting, eg. “Dennis did our VOIP phone system that allowed us to get 8 phone lines for a fraction of what it would have cost through AT&T. He’s a VOIP expert and always there to answer our questions.”
5. Choose the proper thumbnail photo and hit “Share” and you’re done.

Below is what the social sharing icons look like:

***NOTE: a “Share” on Facebook is much more powerful than a “Like”. It is better in my opinion, to wait until you have a heartfelt “Share” to offer.

The steps for Twitter, Google+, etc. are essentially the same. This tutorial will be posted to the LeTip WOC site for future reference.

Andy Huff - In Home Food Delivery Orange County

Andy Huff, our purveyor of premium beef, pork, fish and chicken, told us that in the super markets the meat labeled as Fresh is actually frozen and that it loses 40% of its tenderness and flavor EACH TIME it is frozen. So its frozen in the store if you take it home and freeze it what do you end up with?

Andy reminded us that he gets his meat from the same supplier that the very best restaurants, hotels and country clubs get theirs from. His food is all guaranteed for quality and taste.

Andy had his own version of the famous Top Ten list:

1. Convenience: he comes to you!
2. Quality: restaurant quality, not grocery quality.
3. Guaranteed
4. Flash frozen and vacuum sealed.
5. Use by Date is one year
6. Affordable: from $3.50 to $6.50 per serving!
7. Taste? tastes great! Ask anyone who has tried Andy’s food!
8. Professional: Andy is a trained gourmet chef and is happy to share his recipes
9. Heat and Serve Gourmet recipes like Duck ala Orange
10. You get ANDY!

Dennis Jenkins, Panasonic Telephone Systems and Service

Dennis Jenkins, our VOIP Phone System Expert based in Cerritos but serving all of Orange County & Los Angeles, California, talked to us about what he has been what he has to offer in modern, full-featured phone systems.

He showed us a ruggedized cell phone handset that can not only withstand being dropped from waist height and continue to work but also can continue to operate from cell zone to cell zone not being limited to a single base station for it zone of operation. This is most valuable for communication in large warehouse operations or transportation yards where constant communication is a daily necessity. These cell phone are extension of the larger VOIP phone system.

Dennis explained to us that one of the benefits of the Voice Over IP system is that a phone can be moved anywhere on a Local Area Network and it just plug in and work and retain its identity and phone number.

Dennis told us about a huge multi hundred phone system he was installing that would save the business owner over $7,000.00 a month on his phone bill, lowering it by nearly 2/3. This system features UPS (Un-interruptable Power Supply) to protect against power interruptions  and multiple redundant “fail over” systems to insure connectivity for the phone system at all times.

Dennis also answered a question “Why not just use Skype or Vonnage if you want VOIP?”. The answer is reliability and Quality of Service. Skype and Vonnage have neither while both are necessary for running a professional business.

If you need a VOIP phone system and live anywhere in the Orange County or Los Angeles County area feel free to contact Dennis Jenkins.

Dennis Jenkins
11943 Agnes St.
Cerritos CA, 90703
(562) 402-0100
denjenkins@earthlink.net
www.dennisjenkinsco.com

First he started off telling us a little bit about himself, his 30 years in the business, his Mr. California National title complete with photographic proof and the fact that he is a newlywed. He then proceeded to describe how his weight loss program works, with drops under the tongue; how it is great for anyone who wants to lose from 5 pounds to 100 pounds or more; he described how the drops cause fat to be released in to the blood stream where it is used for energy.

He went on to describe some of the other products that he offers: his Vitality energy product, his probiotics beneficial bacteria and Cortitrol to control the hormone cortisol.

Gil received two very positive testimonials from current clients Janis Graber, who has lost 17 lbs., and from John Wilson, who has not only lost 20 pounds but no longer has to take insulin shots every day.

Gil also described another new client who wanted to lose those last 8 pesky pounds and who has now lost 9 pounds and feels great!

Gil went on to describe the 6 week maintenance diet, the spot diet of steak and apples and the “Guide to Eating Out” that helps clients to maintain their hard won gains.

If you seriously want to lose serious weight call Gil!

Gil Yurly
714-206-0443
healthysuccess2@aol.com

Cheri Boone- offering Gift Baskets in Orange County, California

Cheri Boone, our gift basket expert based in Huntington Beach but serving all of Orange County, California, told us about her recent successes with creating Kosher Hannukah gift baskets. Using her expertise at creating gourmet gift baskets Cheri also creates Kosher Hannukah gift baskets for delivery. They have been so well received by people that she has repeat clientele who orders more each time Hanukkah rolls around. The recipient was quoted as saying “that basket was a work of art”!

Need gift basket ideas? How about Wedding Favors?

Cheri has them: sugar free brownies so good that a Mother used them to fool her son into thinking they were regular brownies; a gift basket SO DELICIOUS that a man, upon receipt of said gift basket, hides it from his family and will not share; chocolate truffles in a box as a wedding favor; candy buffets of gourmet jelly beans, fudge and more; engagement baskets in partnership with Ballard & Ballard Jewelers with a keepsake cheeseboard.

Don’t forget that Cheri can create wine gift baskets around any bottle that you supply her. Even baby gift baskets for that expectant mother and father.

With so many options between $25.00 to $350.00 she has “a gift basket for everyone!”

(714) 968-3681
Fax: 714-963-9405
20122 Imperial Cove
Huntington Beach,CA 92646
cboone6476@aol.com
www.grandgourmet.com

Business Networking could sound boring but these pictures tell the truth! Thanks to Janis Graber for her excellent work on the Tropical Holiday party. A great time was had by all!

Hardwood Floor Cleaning in Orange County - Pat Roque - Pat's Custom Carpet Care

Pat Roque, our carpet cleaning expert based in Huntington Beach but serving all of Orange County, California, now offers expert Hardwood Floor Cleaning for Orange County as well.

He has purchased a brand new, state of the art hardwood floor cleaning system that works on every type of hardwood flooring including distressed wood flooring.

Click this link to read all the details about Hardwood Floor Cleaning.

(714) 938-2371
(714) 308-4630
19112 Oceanport Lane #45
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
www.patscarpetcleaning.com
patrick_R39@yahoo.com

This February marks the Ballard’s 95th year in the Jewelry business (do I hear a party coming on?) and the Ballard brothers have seen it all: from yellow gold nugget jewelry styles to economic ups and downs to membership jewelry store to where they are now – CAD/CAM jewelry design, laser jewelry repair, computer controlled engraving machines that engrave inside a ring or on glass platters, glasses, bottles.

In all of this the Ballards have taken the long term approach: treat people well and they will tell others!

Guy then related to us the experiences that some new clients had had recently dealing with some other large jewelry retailers like Macy’s: they seem to be pushing credit card deals over jewelry products that they should be focused on, ie. if you sign up for one of their credit cards you will get a percentage off of your purchase price but what is the true, meaning not artificially inflated price? This new BallardGem.com customer decided to return the Omega chain they were getting such a good “deal” on.

The lesson here is that BallardGem.com are true Jewelers: they can build any custom designed jewelry or custom engagement ring from scratch for you and repair any jewelry that you may need repaired. They do NOT have to send things out to be repaired. They photographically document each diamond when it is submitted for repair.

BallardGem.com wants to earn your business and become your lifetime jeweler.

18400 Brookhurst
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
714-962-0088
www.ballardgem.com

Jim Duncain - AIM Mail Center - Packing & Shipping Expert

Jim and Evelie Duncan own and operate two mail box, shipping and packing stores aka AIM Mail Centers. The first of them is in Huntington Beach at the corner of Atlanta and Magnolia. The second, bigger store is at Adams and Harbor in Costa Mesa, California. Both offer the same outstanding service.

Here are the reasons why you should use them, for packing and shipping and ALL of your small/home business needs:

1. Their Employees: Jim insists that his employees are the reason for his success and if you’ve been to either of his stores you’ll arrive at the same conclusion. He has assembled a talented team of bright, helpful people who are very knowledgeable, capable and a pleasure to work with. Jim related a story: the day of their company Christmas party a customer can in a the end of the day with a ton of packages that needed to be both boxed and shipped. Without complaint they dove in to the task, closing the doors for the day. Over an hour later they finally made it to the Christmas party. That’s professionalism and dedication.
2. You Have Shipping Choices: USPS, FedEx, or UPS, the team at both Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa AIM Mail Centers will help you figure out which service is right for you package. If you have a particularly fragile package, for instance, you might want to avoid UPS who use miles of conveyor belts and require that packages be able to withstand not only falling a certain height but having other packages fall on top of it. If you need it there next day guaranteed you might want to avoid the USPS because even their Express Mail is not next day.
3. Custom Boxes: actually building a box to fit your exact shipping need can save you money because of what is known as “dimensional weight” ie. boxes of an over-sized nature, in comparison to their contents, need to cost more because they take up more room. Don’t get stuck with a “one size fits all” solution at some other shipping and packing provider.
4. Expertise: count on our expertise in your time of need, especially during the holidays or whenever a package is super-important.

Ron Budd - Financial Advisor Orange County, Ca

Ron Budd has been in the insurance business for 22 years. During the burst of the Dot Com Bubble in 2000 he lost his retirement money and started looking around for a better retirement solution. He also set out to reorganize how he treats his clients. With Certificates of Deposit currently at 1% and the stock market in wild gyrations he has found that Universal Life Insurance is the instrument that is both safe and a good money maker.

His goal is to create income beyond your working years. He wants his clients to be able to live life on their own terms without having to downsize and sell off their assets. With the recovery from the Great Recession estimated to take between 10 to 13 years the time to find a new retirement vehicle is now.

When the traditionally “safe instruments” aren’t performing or they are subject to inflation the time for a creative new solution is now.

Ron Budd
18555 Santa Andrea
Fountain Valley 92708
714-962-5551
fax 714-963-0052
ronbudd@aol.com

Jay showed us a Goodman brand heater with easy filter access so that the dirty filter can be replaced twice a year to maintain the highest air quality in your home. This filter had a charged-grid that uses 6,500 Volts to pull the charged particles of dust and other allergens from the air yet they only cost $35.00 for a total yearly expense of $70.00. This heater also has Ultra Violet light and ozone to kill the volatile organic compounds. It features a side-mounted gas pipe which is more desirable in case of an earthquake. It has a double-walled exhaust and features bubble insulation for high performance and longer lasting, good looking heater. Each installation is accompanied by warranty plus a detailed checklist and informational packet for the homeowner.

Jay also has Honeywell replacement thermostat systems that have no slide switches to wear out. They come with an instructional cheat sheet for all the settings and are battery operated. If your current thermostat has 5 wires coming to it than the Honeywell can be powered on house current.

Jay recommends Amana because of their Lifetime Replacement Warranty. Jay offers, through his company Specialty Air, 10 years warranty on parts and labor.

Jay is offering a $79.00 furnace check as the season gets colder.

If you have any heater repair needs call Jay Taylor of Specialty Air, Inc. serving all of Orange County, California.

714-641-8049
2920 S. Greenville St. #C
Santa Ana, CA 92704
www.specialtyairinc.com
CA Lic. #427673