Available at Valencia Acura

Three Acura Vehicles Repeat Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Awards for 2019
Each year, Consumer Guide Automotive editors select the best vehicles from 20 segments to receive Best Buy Awards, with vehicle price and value being major factors in their selection process. Each received a 2019 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Awards. Three Acura models - the 2019 Acura RDX and MDX SUVs and TLX sports sedan - were selected based on several criteria, including performance, features, accommodations, fuel efficiency, resale value and price. Acura's RDX was selected in the premium compact crossover category for its seventh consecutive year. Acura's MDX achieved its fifth consecutive year in the premium midsize crossover category and Acura's TLX received its ninth Best Buy Award win since 2009 as a premium midsize car. Curious how the Acura brand consistently ranks in the top accolades for its industry? Stop by Valencia Acura for a test drive and experience precision-crafted performance at its finest.
Valencia Acura 255-3000

Valencia Country Club Announces New General Manager
Matt Zuckerman, an experienced leader coming from Aliso Viejo Country Club, is the new general manager at Valencia Country Club. Matt is a member of the Club Managers Association of America and previously served in a regional vice president role with Arcis Golf. Prior, Matt successfully guided Coto De Caza, a private 36-hole country club in Orange County to the highest member satisfaction in the club's history. He is excited about the opportunity to improve the member experience at Valencia Country Club.
254-4401

5 Legal Reasons to Tie the Knot
Your relationship is not clear - and that means you're open to litigation. Everything can be fine and dandy until the relationship dissolves and the jilted one sues.

Without a spouse, you lose all legal protections of marriage - no community property, no spousal support. Under these circumstances, there may be a "palimony" claim. "Palimony" is a word invented by the Court in the Marvin v. Marvin case; Lee Marvin was sued by his long-time live-in girlfriend Michelle based on an oral contract that she claimed existed. She said he promised to support her for life. The Court held a written contract is not necessary to establish a "palimony claim." Technically, precedent has said you can sue for "palimony" after a relationship - but suing someone costs a lot of money. It's better to discuss all these ramifications before entering into a living arrangement.

Any children born when you're unmarried will not have the same rights as children born in a marriage. In most states, children born from an unmarried couple need to establish paternity before inheriting from the father.

Your boyfriend/girlfriend will not inherit from you if you die, unlike your husband/wife.

If you own a house, in California, you have a homestead exemption to protect you from creditors. It doubles if you are married, not just living together. Same with the $500,000 home sale tax exemption against capital gains.
Denise Placencio, Esq. is a certified family law specialist and Super Lawyer. 877-317-8080.

Jeff & Melanie Meyer to Host No-cost Economic Update
Learn Important Updates & Financial Perspectives
Jeff and Melanie Meyer of Thrivent Financial will host a no-cost educational event on March 21 at 6pm and March 22 at 8am at Double Trouble Wine Room on Main Street in Newhall. "Paying attention to financial and economic news is important," explains Melanie Meyer. "Our goal is to help people understand how recent events can impact them." The event is free and available to the public; space is limited. No products will be sold. Complimentary refreshments will be served - call to register.
Thrivent Financial 799-0230

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Advisory services available through investment adviser representatives only. Thrivent.com/disclosures. 2430838-022019

This event will communicate important updates regarding the economy and markets and help answer key questions including:
• Should I react to economic headlines?
• Should I review my investment portfolio?
• Is it time to change my financial strategy?

courtesy of Shutterstock

Estate Planning: There's Just One Chance to Get It Right
Many people assume that their estate is too small to justify creating an estate plan. They may view their estate planning needs as "simple." They may incorrectly believe that their spouse or children will automatically be allowed to make decisions for them or inherit their estate. This is incorrect.
At its core, estate planning is preparing for the inevitability of our death and incapacity. Although we are generally living longer, we are not immortal or immune from physical or mental issues. Even with an estate plan in place, confusion and inconvenience are common problems. Without a plan, your loved ones' ability to care for you and carry out your wishes could be difficult or impossible.

The documents that make up an estate plan can only be created during your life and only when you have "legal capacity." Once you find yourself needing one or more documents in an estate plan, it is likely too late. The estate plan in place at that time, or the lack of one, will determine what happens to you, who is in charge and how your estate will be managed and distributed. There's no opportunity to create a plan or fix an incomplete or incorrect plan.

Estate planning needs to be done early, while you are well. The question should not be whether your estate is large enough for an estate plan, whether it is "simple" or whether your spouse or children will automatically be able to act as your agent or heirs. The real question is: What are the consequences you and your family will face by not having an estate plan or having an incomplete one?
Michael A Yeager, Esq. of YeagerLaw Estate Planning & Probate 471-2177

When your Childhood Home Might (Literally) Slip Away
by Therese Edwards
Like many SCV residents, I've watched the heartbreaking news coverage about the backyards on Terri Drive slipping into the graded wash below. Unlike most others, I spent the majority of my childhood (And beyond, if we're being honest!) living directly across the street. I've trick-or-treated at those doors. I've played behind those houses. I've waved to those neighbors. It's not just "another" sad story. It's part of my story.

I hope and pray that they get everything they need to feel secure and safe.

This also made me wonder: Do I have everything I need to feel secure and safe in my own home? I, too, own property that can easily be affected by a major storm. I know that my insurance would cover, say, a leaky roof - but would it cover a slipping yard? A rising foundation? A porch collapse?

When it comes to an insurance audit, there's "no time like the present." I don't want any surprises - and I do want a chance to fill any gaps in my coverage.

If anything good can come from this, I hope that this gives everyone a kick in the pants to have a conversation with their insurance provider.

courtesy of Shutterstock

2018 Tax Cuts And Jobs Act: Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions are Suspended
This is an important year to abide by new tax reforms. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) included many taxpayer-friendly changes, such as lower tax rates overall and a much-larger standard deduction for individuals. However, not all of the changes made by the TCJA are good news. For example, the TCJA has suspended the ability of taxpayers to take a deduction for certain expenses classified as "miscellaneous itemized deductions" for tax years beginning in 2018 through 2025.

Examples of such expenses for employees
include the following:
lodging, meals and entertainment
required medical exams
subscriptions to professional journals
union or professional dues
job-hunting expenses
business use of a home
employee business mileage

Additional expense items considered as miscellaneous itemized deductions include investment fees, separately paid custodian fees for an IRA and tax preparation fees.
There may be options available to restructure your tax situation in order to preserve the deductibility of these expenses. Seek a professional for further guidance.
Liberty Tax Services 296-1000

Women's Conference Discusses Purpose, Potential, Passion & Peace on March 23
The annual College of the Canyons Women's Conference returns Saturday, March 23 with an exciting lineup of presenters and breakout sessions designed to help attendees find "Purpose, Potential, Passion and Peace" - this year's conference theme.

The 2019 College of the Canyons Women's Conference will be held from 8am to 2pm in the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center. US Congresswoman Katie Hill (D - Agua Dulce) and California Assemblywoman Christy Smith (D - Santa Clarita) will be the conference's keynote speakers.

A vendor fair will feature boutique shopping of unique for-sale items and an information table will highlight local women-owned businesses. Admission is $35 and $20 for students and COC staff. Admission includes access to all events and activities, breakfast and luncheon will be catered by Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co, as well as a raffle drawing ticket.
canyons.edu/wc

Get Informed at the Women's Conference
Attendees will benefit from breakout sessions throughout the day.
• New Innovations in Women's Health
• Voice, Impact & Power
• Advocacy & Getting Involved in your Community
• Setting Boundaries & Healthy Relationships
• Staying Positive in a Challenging World
• Having the Courage to Lead
• Financial Planning
• Starting a Business
• Creating a New Career Beginning
• Personal Safety
• Healthy Eating on the Go
• Looking your Best at any Age
• Interviewing Skills