Exploring New Opportunities

I have branched out. After joining the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce in January, I was invited by a member of that group to try a networking group. Robbie Cox with Nationwide/Dagley Insurance suggested I give the Premier Networking Group a go. We meet every other week at Salerno's in Flower Mound. Do I hear a yum?
One of the greatest things about these two organizations I have joined is meeting people in different industries. So, if you need any recommendations for lawyers, lenders, handymen, painters, car dealers, banks and so on, please let me know. I can put you in touch with highly qualified professionals that can provide you excellent service and save you money at the same time!

EPA ranks Dallas as "Green City"

In a recent report released by the EPA, Dallas is the 5th best city in nation for the most "green" and Energy Star rated buildings in 2008. What does this mean? Well, Texas businesses have saved $31.7 million in energy dollars. We still have a long way to go to be #1. Los Angeles, CA is more than double that amount at $87.2 million. I think fifth place is OK by me in this situation!
For the full report, visit www.EPA.gov

Are You Self-Employed?

My mom brought something to my attention yesterday. She asked, "Since you are self-employed, are you taking money out of your check and putting it into Social Security?" My response was, "There's not going to be any money in there anyway so what's the point!?" Point taken. But, she did have a point.
I looked back at my 1099 and there is not anything being taken out. I am required to submit quarterly taxes and I assume the IRS doesn't submit some money to my Social Security account. That would be nice, wouldn't it!?
So, just something to talk to your qualified CPA or accountant about. Maybe I would be better off taking that money and putting it into my own account somewhere...

Another way to go Green

If you're like me, you wonder why our household gets five new phone books every year. Hello? Who uses phone books anymore? I will admit that I have used one in the past two years but not enough to warrant five new books each year.
I stumbled across a new service that YellowPages is offering. If you are sick of getting too many phone books on your doorstep or driveway each year, you can opt out of receiving them! Help the environment and your own sanity by opting out at
Share the information with someone you think would be interested!

Go Stimulus Bill!

I wonder if I'm like most Americans. I want the country to be back on track towards prosperity and a world power. I don't exactly know what to say about all the spending for government agencies that doesn't seem to really stimulate much of anything.
But one thing that is exciting is the potential tax credit that is available for people who buy homes in 2009. This is unlike the 2008 first-time homebuyer credit that was $7500. This was something you had to pay back. Not the stimulus bill of 2009! This is a tax credit that will apply up to 10% of the value of the house or up to $15,000 ($150,000 home). The other great part of this is that it may extend for homebuyers who bought the previous year from the passing of the stimulus bill. So, if the bill passes March 1, 2009, you would qualify for the tax credit if you purchased a home from March 1, 2008-March 1, 2009.
With interest rates being at historic lows, sellers pricing their homes more competitively and Team Nelson selling your house for free, what better time than now to consider buying and selling your home? I'm never too busy for you or your referrals. Contact me today!

I joined an organization!

I am not the kind of girl that joins community organizations, or really enjoys them all that much. It's not that I don't enjoy being social but a lot of these groups aren't really well organized and are frankly, just a waste of time.
The exception to that rule is the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce that I recently joined. My dear friend, Gary Charlton, encouraged me to check out the weekly meeting at 7:45. Now, that's a bit early for me to not only be out of bed, but dressed, with my face on, and on the road. But, it was definitely worth my time! I joined the Chamber last week and have attended two meetings this week. The networking that takes place is great and the people are absolutely genuine. I am excited to see where this relationship goes!

Fighting The Man

I don't consider myself to be very political or an involved member of my community. Maybe because I am ignorant at 32 years of age of exactly how involved and emotionally taxing it is to "fight The Man".
I am the point person for gathering petition signatures for 384 households in my neighborhood, Castlewood. Quite the daunting task, but with the help of some brave souls in my 'hood, we are slowly getting this done.
The petition is to close off the side-street exits off FM 2499 that would allow traffic to flow through our subdivision if left open. The road is slated to be completed in two years. A few years later, TXDot is estimating that the traffic will be 35,000+ vehicles per day. The intersection of 2499 and 407 sees over 40,000 vpd. That's a lot of cars! And you want to drive through my streets? I don't think so.
Last night, myself and another resident held an information town hall meeting to disseminate facts, not fiction about the road and gate closure. This was strictly informational and not to decide if this would be closed off since that really isn't our decision. It was pretty well attended, despite the BCS game was on. There were definitely a handful of people opposed, a few who wanted more information and the rest in support.
One thing really chapped my chops. One resident, who is also a board member, was in attendance. He is opposed to the closure and the way he "voiced" his opinion was by bringing in his own petition to have folks sign who were against it. So, thanks for using our informational forum to pimp your own cause. If you want to set up your own "We don't care if 35,000 cars come through our neighborhood and mow down our kids, pets and spouses" meeting, feel free to do so. It's like bringing samples and order forms of Girl Scout cookies to a Weight Watchers meeting. You are sabotaging the efforts of several people who have worked very hard for the past two months at this. It's time to put on my big girl panties and get to work. I have a bunch of houses to visit tomorrow!