This Thursday the Bankers Club is playing host to the Jewish Federation Business Power Hour keynoted by David Ginsburg, President and CEO of Downtown Cincinnati Inc. David will be sharing some of his thoughts on how far Downtown has come and the strategies for continued growth.

The event begins at 6:00 PM and I will introduce David at 6:30 pm,
when he will share his comments with the group. Tickets are available
by contacting Lindsey Kreindler at 513-985-1522 for further details. The event costs $10/person in advance, $15/at the door.

Downtown Cincinnati Inc. (DCI) is a non-profit business organization
with a mission to build a dynamic metropolitan center valued as the
heart of the region. DCI provides leadership and advocacy for important
issues that ensure long-term downtown vitality. As the Cincinnati Real Estate market continues to expand downtown, DCI will certainly play an important role as a strong partner in improving the city.

For many Cincinnati residents, foreclosure is a reality. Due to many factors affecting the economy as well as deceptive lending practices by some banks, uninformed customers have applied for and were granted loans that they simply can’t afford. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has launched a program to try to assist people who are facing potential foreclosure. The program is called “Save the Dream“.

One of the things that many people do not realize is that when you are having financial problems the best thing to do is to inform your lender so that you can workout a resolution. Most people are inclined to hide the fact that they are struggling financially because they feel helpless and that they have no options and their fate is sealed; they will certainly lose their home. “Save the Dream” is an educational tool that provides information for homeowners. Some of the information provided is: Foreclosure Resources, Alternatives to Foreclosure, Steps in the Foreclosure Process, Foreclosure Terminology, Rescue Scams to watch out for, and Predatory Lending Practices to beware of, and how to rebuild your credit. Please also click here for more information on credit scores.

Starting this May, the IRS will be sending the economic stimulus rebate checks to households who file their 2007 tax returns. In order to determine if you are eligible for this rebate the only requirement is to file your 2007 return and the IRS will take care of the rest of the paperwork. Some individuals and families who file early and electronically will receive their rebates as early as May and the final rebate checks for those who file later will be sent out until December 2008.

In most cases the maximum amount of the rebate check will be $600 for individuals and $1,200 for taxpayers who file a joint return. Eligible taxpayers who qualify for a rebate check will receive an additional $300 for each child who qualifies for the child tax credit. Per the IRS website, qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans’ benefits and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment. Depending on your source of income, some of these people may not be normally required to file a tax return because they do not meet the filing requirement. Please remember that this year if they want to qualify for the rebate, the IRS emphasizes they must file a 2007 return in order to receive a rebate check.

Rebate checks to higher income taxpayers will be reduced by 5 percent of the amount of adjusted gross income above $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for those filing jointly. For more information on your specific eligibility for this rebate please click here.

If you recently purchased a home Cincinnati and are new to Ohio you will probably need to get your automobile title and drivers license transfered over. There are a few tips we learned in making the process fast, easy, and even save you money. Here are the steps to take, and where you can go to get them accomplished. Reality is you can get this all done in one day. A lot of steps in a lot of different places, but each step can be completed in under 45 minutes.

According to the Ohio BMV you will need to have on hand the following documents:
Primary and Secondary proof of identity
Proof of residency (utility bill, pay check, letter from your employer)
Current title (if you won your car outright)
Proof of Insurance
Cash

Step One: Affidavit
In Hamilton County you will need to bring the above paperwork to the Highway Patrol Drivers License Testing Facility and ask for an inspection and affidavit. They will check your automobile for Mileage and the VIN number to make sure it matches your title. Be aware that this Affidavit is only good for 30 days, and knowing when to get this inspection could save you a lot of money. While you are there you might as well go next door and take your Ohio drivers license test and get your license.

Step Two: New Title
Now that you have your Affidavit you can go downtown and get your Ohio Title. But wait … here are two opportunities to save money. First only get your Affidavit within 30 days of your current license plate expiring. In most cases this is 30 days before your birthday. Second tip is take the time to drive down to the Registrars office on or after your birthday. This way you will not have to pay a partial year of registration fees. Once you have your Title you can go get your plates.

Step Three: Plates
Now that you have your Ohio Title it is time to go get your plates. Your local Ohio BMV location should be able to get you your plates as well as offer renewal services. Just remember - if you are from out of town you may need to get a front license plate holder since Ohio law says you need licenses plated on both bumpers.