Veterans
Recession Job Hunt
May 7, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
Recession Job Hunt
Competition for Jobs in a Slow Economy
Veterans discharging from the Armed Services meet new challenges. Job Fair lines are getting longer as unemployment rates climb. Don’t panic/plan to adapt and succeed.
Be versatile, mobile, and plan to go where the jobs are. It’s likely you have full or partial paid move coming, courtesy of Uncle Sam. If you are willing to relocate, and a prospective employer does not have to pay moving expenses; you have become a hot commodity.
Read the papers and explore companies own websites. Focus on new contracts or a company product. This gives you an in, while others are on their way out. Take part time work if it is available, seasonable or temporary. Any of these can help you pay the bills, and possibly get you an audience with the decision makers once the economy revives.
To succeed at a Job Fair, prepare before hand on the position you want. Be prepared to tell a prospective employer how you will mesh with his organization and what skills you will bring to a position.
Research the company for specific openings the employer is looking to fill. Don’t waste time handing out resumes that don’t relate your skills for the job. The goal of job hunting is to get a second interview.
Follow up, get a business card and don’t call, a hand written thank you note, referring to the Job Fair makes you more noticeable. Send a fresh resume on nice paper, and always send a cover letter with every resume.
Companies who are hiring include: Banfield, Farmers Insurance, Gentiva Health Services, ITT Corp, M.A.R.S. International, Pricewaters, Service Master, 7-11, and Quik-Trip. Pick the positions you want, and refine your efforts accordingly, or find a company that looks like the right fit, learning all you can, and fine tuning your approach.
As a military retiree, dedicated to the military personnel and their families, I urge you to contact Coleman White@Jimbigelow.com for all your real estate needs.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow Bigelow Group Realtors 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
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Post 9/11 GI Bill
April 30, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
Post 9/11 GI Bill
Veterans Administration rejects veterans transfer rights in it’s final rule. The Post (9/11 GI Bill) removed some restrictions on current service members sharing educational benefits with family members, but reject requests for the same transfer rights given to veterans. VA officials said they could not allow veterans to share benefits with family members, because transfer rights are, by law, limited to people who are in the service on August 1, 2009, when the new GI Bill Program begins.
Also rejected was living stipends for people using the new GI Bill for distance learning and rules for veterans suffering traumatic brain injuries that would provide them full payment even if they are not full time students.
Veterans who plan to attend colleges or universities the rules revise procedures that reduce tuition under a matching fund program.
The new GI Bill Program features monthly benefits that cover the cost of tuition and fees at a four year public college or university, plus a $1,000 annual book allowance, and a monthly stipend for renting a two bedroom town house in the same zip code as the college campus.
The VA is responsible for payment of benefits tuition directly to the school, but the stipend is paid to the student, and the Defense Department is responsible for setting rules for how current service members will be able to share earned benefits with a spouse or children.
The VA final rules involve the transfer of benefits. Some benefits can be transferred to a spouse or children, along with basic benefits. When benefits are transferred, a spousal divorce, or a child’s marriage will not terminate benefits, although a service member can reduce or rescind the transfer of benefits at any time or any reason.
Veteran’s educational benefits are not marital property that can be divided in a property settlement after divorce. Living stipends will not be paid to the spouse of an active duty service member, and will not be paid to a service member using the GI Bill while still in service.
Reduced tuition can be offered to people attending a university of medicine, but not to law students. Reduced tuition has to be guaranteed for a full academic year. One new feature of this Post 9/11 Bill is the Yellow Ribbon Program in which the VA will match dollar for dollar reduction in tuition at private institutions. VA hopes to have a list of institutions offering Yellow Ribbon Program reduced tuition later this year.
As a military retiree, dedicated to the military personnel and their families, I urge you to contact Coleman White@Jimbigelow.com for all your real estate needs.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow Bigelow Group Realtors 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
American Recovery/Reinvestment Act of 2008
April 23, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
American Recovery/Reinvestment Act of 2008
First time home buyers purchasing any kind of home, new or resale are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and December 2009. The purchase date is when closing occurs, and the title to the property transfers to the new home owner.
For married tax payers, this law test the home ownership of the buyer and his/her spouse. For example: if you have not owned a home in the last three years, but your spouse owned a principal residence, neither you or your spouse qualifies for the tax credit.
However, unmarried joint purchasers can allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first time home buyer.
Ownership of a vacation home or rental property does not qualify as a first time home buyer.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000 dollars.
The income limits for single tax payers is $75,000 and the limit for married tax payers is $150,000 filing a joint return.
This tax credit does not have to be repaid. You claim the tax credit on your Federal Income Tax return. Home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and claim this amount on line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. No other forms or applications are required, and no approval is necessary.
Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. The tax credit is refundable, which involves the government sending the tax payer a check for a portion or maybe all of the refundable tax credit.
For qualified veterans 100 percent financing is available through VA Guaranteed Loan Program. Veterans with 100 percent disabilities, certified by the Veterans Administration as service connected are eligible for property exempt status in the State of Oklahoma.
As a military retiree, dedicated to the military personnel and their families, I urge you to contact Coleman White@Jimbigelow.com for all your real estate needs.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow Bigelow Group Realtors 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
Oklahoma Tax Exemption
April 9, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
Oklahoma Tax Exemption
Due to current housing market trends it is necessary and informative for all qualified veterans and some surviving spouses to know that the State of Oklahoma is unique in that it is the only State that offers tax exemptions for certain classes of disabled veterans and some surviving spouses. Please review the article dated January 22, 2009. Section 9 of Oklahoma House Bill 154.7/1131
Would you believe Oklahoma is the only State that offers Tax Exempt Status to veterans with 100% disabilities?
This program benefits nearly 9,600 Oklahoma Veterans who have sacrificed their lives and health for this Country. These veterans are exempt from all sales tax which includes: City, County, and State that shall not exceed 25,000 per year, per individual. Americans are united in their belief that Congress and the President have a responsibility to make sure that veterans receive their benefits after service. This exemption is the latest attempt from Oklahoma to accommodate those who have sacrificed for our nation. This tax exemption is the least that any State can offer to those men and women who have given their lives and time.
Oklahoma should be the catalyst for this nation who owes their very existence to men and women veterans that have served their country with honor and valor in times of war and peace.
House Bill 1131 allows surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% service connected disability to keep the Veterans Sales Tax Exemption.
As a retired Viet-Nam Veteran, I can truly say that spouses of disabled veterans endure severe hardships when their love one’s die in defense of our nation. The freedom Americans enjoy should not die with the warriors; it must extend to the surviving spouses.
Again Oklahoma leads the nation with new household personal property tax exemption that is offered to 100% service connected veterans or their surviving spouses.
Our service members returning from the mid-east and their devoted families relocating or returning to Oklahoma are also entitled to 100% motor vehicle tax exemption, 100% disable veteran property tax exemption, Oklahoma tuition aid grant, Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Waiver, and many other benefits that are inclusive to Oklahoma.
In today’s world, we welcome your move to a State that honors our veterans.
As a military retiree, dedicated to the military personnel and their families, I urge you to contact Coleman White@Jimbigelow.com for all your real estate needs.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
VA Home Loans/No Money Down
April 2, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
VA Home Loans/No Money Down
Implosion of nations housing market has put countless distressed properties on the market for far less than they were worth several years ago. Military retires searching for a place to launch a second career are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this attractive buyers market through The Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program.
Last year approximately 135,000 veterans, active duty, and survivors received loans at nearly 24 billions dollars.
Home loans are more affordable for veterans, active duty members, and some surviving spouses by protecting lenders from loss if the borrower defaults on their home loan. The VA’s guarantee takes the place of a down payment, and allows the buyer to purchase the home with no down payment.
The latest statistics show that more than 29 million veterans and service personnel are eligible for VA financing. The current loan limit for home purchase under the program is $417,000 (up to 625,000 in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Virgin Islands).
VA does not secure loans, the buyer has to find a lender, bank or mortgage company that is willing to do that. Once the loan is arranged the VA can step in with its guarantee.
You must apply to the VA to be certified as eligible for the program. Contact the VA Service Officers, who are trained professionals, but remember they are not realtors or mortgage loan officers.
If you are looking to purchase a home: The current market situation makes this time ideal to use your VA home loan eligibility and it’s your right as a veteran.
Always remember our motto: “Think Freedom” “Thank a Vet”.
If your plans are to relocate to a State that honors veterans, and the service they provided to our freedom then Oklahoma is ok for you.
Complete information on eligibility application procedures is online at www.homeloans.va.gov or call toll free at (800) 827-1000.
Please feel free to contact me at ColemanWhite@Jimbigelow.com. “Your Time Realtor” for all your real estate needs. As a loyal, devoted, and honest real estate professional, with group strength in excess of 30 years of real estate experience and over 34 web sites to market and accommodate your real estate needs.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
Chiropractic has no place in Tricare
March 26, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · 1 Comment
Chiropractic has no place in Tricare
Certain forms of Chiropractic Treatment have been found to be of significant value in treating selected cases of lower back pain. Tricare is not allowed, by law and regulation, to pay for services rendered by a Chiropractor.
Chiropractors practicing under this license cannot become Tricare authorized providers. The medical departments of the military services do not recognize the profession, to the extent that Chiropractors are not authorized direct commissions as medical officers in the services.
In recent past, the professional training of Osteopathic Physicians included spinal manipulations. Osteopathic Physicians are fully qualified in the practice of medicine and surgery in all states, and they may become Tricare authorized providers.
Most osteopathic doctors do not practice spinal manipulation but you can find doctors trained in the procedure, and who use it as a treatment in their practice.
Tricare prohibition is directed to chiropractic physicians. It is not directed against spinal manipulation as a treatment modality.
Preferably, these matters should be discussed with your orthopedist. Readers interested in this ongoing debate may find interesting reading at the wed site www.quackwatch.com. This web site is well documented under the direction of Dr. Steven Barnett.
Please feel free to contact me at ColemanWhite@Jimbigelow.com. “Your Time Realtor” for all your real estate needs. As a loyal, devoted, and honest real estate professional, with group strength in excess of 30 years of real estate experience and over 34 web sites to market and accommodate your real estate needs.
I urge you to contact me and see if you can benefit from the first time home buyer program. Let’s remember this phrase “Think Freedom, Thank a Vet”.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
Enhanced VA Mortgage Options
March 19, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
Enhanced VA Mortgage Options
Veterans with Conventional Home Loans have new options for refinancing a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan as a result of the “Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008”. Theses changes will allow VA to assist veterans with sub prime mortgages refinance into a safer, affordable VA guaranteed loan.
Veterans in financial stress, due to high rate sub prime mortgages are potentially the greatest beneficiaries.
This new law makes changes to VA home loan refinancing program. Veterans can refinance their sub prime or conventional mortgage up to 100 percent of the properties value.
Congress raised the VA maximum loan amount for these types of refinancing loans which were capped at $144,000. These loans may be made up to $729,000, depending on the location where the property is located.
Increasing the loan to value-ratio and raising the actual loan amount will allow more qualified veterans to refinance through VA, while allowing for savings on interest cost or potentially avoiding foreclosure.
Originally set to expire at the end of October 2008, the VA’s authority to guarantee Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARMS) and hybrid Arms was also extended under this new law through September 2012. Unlike conventional ARMS and hybrid ARMS, VA’s limits interest rate increases on these loans from year to year, as well as over the life of the loans.
Please email all comments to Coleman White @Jimbigelow.com. Your Time Real Estate Sales Executive.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
TRICARE HELP
March 12, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
TRICARE HELP
HOW MUCH WILL YOU HAVE TO PAY ON A CLAIM?
Tricare claims require proof that the provider meets certain standards for education, training, States Licensure, or certification, and is qualified to provide the services on the beneficiary’s claim. A provider that meets Tricare’s criteria becomes an authorized provider and is assigned a Tricare Provider Number to be used all claims.
These providers sometime will indicate on the claim form that he agrees to accept the amount Tricare allows as full payment for the services on that claim. In return, Tricare will send its share to the provider.
When the beneficiary pays the cost share to the provider, the claim and the provider’s bill will be paid in full under terms of their contract with Tricare. A provider always participates on claims under Tricare Prime and Extra.
If an authorized provider chooses not to participate on a claim he is allowed by federal law to charge the patient fifteen (15) percent over the amount Tricare allows. This applies to Tricare Standard claims only.
Tricare will send its usual share of the amount allowed to the patient, not the provider. The patient is responsible for paying the provider the amount Tricare allowed plus the additional fifteen (15) percent.
Doctors that see Medicare patients are aware that the “Limiting Charge Law” applies to Medicare claims and it also applies to Tricare claims.
It is unfortunate that the law does not allow Tricare to do more than write to the doctor and explain the Federal Laws. Beyond that Tricare can threaten to discontinue his status as a Tricare authorized provider and threaten to cancel his ability to participate in other Federal Programs such as Medicare.
The doctor may not be aware what his billing clerk is doing. Consider writing or talking to them about your situation.
As a military retiree, dedicated to the military personnel and their families, I urge you to contact Coleman White@Jimbigelow.com for all your real estate needs.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
STIPEND FOR VETERANS USING DISTANCE LEARNING
March 5, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
STIPEND FOR VETERANS USING DISTANCE LEARNING
People using the Post 9/11 GI Bill for distance learning will be eligible to receive a living stipend under Legislation introduced on Feb 10, 2009 by the House Veteran Affairs Committee Chairman. This Bill sponsored by Rep. Bob Filner, D-CA, address on the largest complaints about the new veterans education benefits plan that take effect August 1, 2009.
In addition to covering tuition, fees, and a $1,000 annual allowance for books, and supplies, the new GI Bill provides a monthly living stipend equal to the military basic allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents, for the zip code where the school is located.
This stipend is paid only to people who attend school at least half time. Secondly, it is not paid to persons taking distance learning classes unless they are taking at least one class on campus.
Rep. Filner’s Bill HR 950 keeps the requirement that living stipends go only to those who are at least half time students and take at least one class on campus. With that change, the housing allowance paid to distance learning students would be based on the zip code of the school.
Paying a living stipend based on the location of a distance learning school is something Veteran Affair Department opposed last year when officials were concerned that schools would set up shop in the most expensive locations to entice veterans to sign up for classes with the promise of big living stipends.
VA officials opposed paying a housing allowance based on location, arguing they did not want to encourage people to boost their income by moving to an expensive area in order to get a larger monthly check.
As a military retiree, dedicated to the military personnel and their families, I urge you to contact Coleman White@Jimbigelow.com for all your real estate needs.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
Who is required to accept Tricare?
February 26, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · 1 Comment
Who is required to accept Tricare?
If your Physician has severed their relationship with Tricare and is no longer a Tricare-authorized provider, Tricare will not pay for any services regardless of who files the claim. If your doctor remains a Tricare authorized provider, but no longer participates in Tricare on the claims, you may use his services and file the claim yourself.
In this case the Doctor is not required to accept the amount Tricare allows as full payment for his services. There is a law that limits the amount you pay for doctor services. This provision of the law governing Medicare is called: “The Limiting Charge.”
In 1983, Congress made the law apply to Tricare as well as to Medicare.
This Limiting Charge allows a non participating doctor to charge Tricare or Medicare beneficiary up to 15 percent over the amount Tricare allows on a claim. Tricare will pay its usual amount directly to you.
Your out of pocket expense is 25 percent cost share, plus 15 percent surcharge. Tell the office manager that Medicare and Tricare are required by law to use the same method and database to calculate the amount allowable on claims.
Tricare allows slightly more than Medicare due to a younger, healthier beneficiaries.
If your claim is denied it is very important to state the denial reason in Tricare terminology, not what you think the words mean. If you don’t understand what to do call Tricare for help.
The four official sources for Tricare information is: the health benefits adviser/healthcare finder at a military hospital, Tricare contractor, and military health system home page at www.tricare.mil.
Please email all comments to Coleman White @Jimbigelow.com. Your Time Real Estate Sales Executive.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
Military Champion with Clout
February 19, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
Military Champion with Clout
Senator Daniel Inouye, Democrat Hawaii, has not given up on his long time plans to allow totally disabled veterans to be eligible for space-available flights on military aircraft at the same level of priority as other military retires, and allow former prisoners of war to use commissary privileges.
These Bills “S66 for space available flights” and “S67 for Prisoners Of War” shopping privileges were introduced January 6, 2009 on the opening day of the 111th Congress. Senator Inouye has been named Chairman of the Powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, which oversees funding for all Federal agencies. This may make the Pentagon and President Obama’s administration more likely to listen to his ideas.
I encourage all veterans, military personnel, dependents, and interested advocates to voice their concerns to this new administration, and call for action on this vital piece of legislation.
Please email all comments to Coleman White @Jimbigelow.com. Your Time Real Estate Sales Executive.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
$15,000 Tax Credit Bill
February 13, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
$15,000 Tax Credit Bill
Wednesday February 4, 2009 the United States Senate unanimously approved an amendment to the economic stimulus bill that gives a $15,000 tax CREDIT to ANYONE who buys a home in the next year.
This is NOT law yet, Just Senate Approved Bill.
The amendment would provide a direct tax credit to ANY homebuyer who buys a home. The amount of the tax credit would be $15,000 or 10 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. Purchase must be made within one year of the legislation’s enactment, and the tax credit would not have to be repaid.
The amendment would allow taxpayers to claim the credit on their 2008 income tax return. It also seeks to prevent misuse by only allowing purchases of principle residence and by recapturing the credit if the home is sold within two years of purchase. The amendment would sunset the current $7,500 housing tax credit on the date of enactment.
RECAP:
The Amendment:
1. Makes the tax credit $15,000 or 10% of purchase price whichever is less instead of $7,500
2. Makes the tax credit for ALL buyers, not just first time buyers.
3. Eliminates income limits.
4. Extends the tax credit deadline for buying a home to one year from date bill is passed.
5. Remains only for primary owner occupied residences.
6. The tax credit is NOT REFUNDABLE, meaning a buyer will not receive a “refund” check from the IRS.
The credit, however can be claimed over two years, so buyers whose tax liability is less than $15,000 would have two years to capture the credit.
This amendment favors taxpayers in higher income brackets and should significantly boost sales of higher priced properties.
Remember at the time of this writing this is only a Senate approved bill.
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
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MILITARY PERSONNEL IN A HOUSING CRUNCH
February 12, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
MILITARY PERSONNEL IN A HOUSING CRUNCH
Hope may be near for military homeowner who sweats at the thought of trying to sell their homes when they transfer from one installation to another. Some have already taken financial hits in the nation-wide dismal housing market.
The economic stimulus package would add 411 million to help military homeowners caught in the housing market crisis, including wounded warriors, surviving spouses, those affected by base closing, and those forced to move on permanent orders.
Defense Department is preparing to help homeowners in the expectation that these provisions will be a part of the final stimulus package.
Homeowners will need a copy of their deed and a utility bill to prove the house was their permanent residence.
Homeowners can apply now and the Corp of Engineer will hold onto their application. Service members may visit hap.usac.army.mil to download the application packet.
The homeowner assistance provision would apply to service members, Defense Department and civilians injured, wounded or in the line of duty or those with 30 percent disability rating by the VA and those relocated due to illness.
Also included are surviving spouses of service members killed in the line of duty, or who died from an illness incurred during deployment. Survivors must relocate within two years of the death to qualify.
The primary residence must have been purchased by the owner before July 1, 2006 and sold between July 1, 2006 and September 30, 2002.
Coleman White 918-760-1317
coleman@jimbigelow.com www.jimbigelow.com
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
Military Orders Push Families into Transitional Housing Market
January 29, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
Military Orders Push Families into Transitional Housing Market
Unlike many Americans suffering the sting of adjustable rate mortgages with balloon payments and the decline of home values in the United States – many service members face a different dilemma. They are forced to move with the military and either sell or rent their homes in a depressed housing market.
Numerous markets across the country are experiencing a sharp decline in sales, pricing, and a decline in interest rates.
However, theTulsa housing market sales increased approximately 4.5 percent from 2002 through 2008, and sales price increased to approximately 6 percent. Low interest rates in Tulsa has helped fuel our economy, and is a positive factor for military and retires decision to relocate to Oklahoma. Employment, economics, tax exemptions, and favorable mortgage rates are key factors in our state that encourages veterans, military personnel, and their dependents to move to Oklahoma. This State’s aggressive real estate market should be an example for each state. Unique to Oklahoma, the State offers various programs and discounts to veterans depending on status and disability rating (as rated by the VA). The cost of living ratio in Tulsa is favorable, and our economy is stable and culturally diversified. Tulsa welcomes and honors military personnel, their families, veterans and support agencies to our great city.
You have to admit whether you are a Tulsa native or relocating to the metro area, Tulsa has all the activities you would be looking for plus a great and helpful veteran community.
Please all comments to Coleman White @ The Jim Bigelow Group.
Coleman White, Sales Executive
Jim Bigelow Group, Coldwell Banker Select
918-760-1317
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
Coldwell Banker Select
