Get Your Mortgage Phil: California

Finding unclaimed money in California has been made much easier than in years past.

And who wouldn't like to learn they have a forgotten stash, large or small, waiting for them?

California's Unclaimed Property Law requires corporations, businesses, associations, financial institutions and insurance companies to report and deliver property to the California State Controller's Office. This must be done annually after there has been no activity on the account of contact with the owner for a period of time specified in the law, generally three years or more.

To start your search, simply go to the web site of the California State Controller's Office and follow the simple directions outlined there.

Best of luck!

San Carlos, California, 97070, is a real down-home kind of place, located on the Peninsula in San Mateo County, mid-way between San Francisco and San Jose. The motto of our town is "The City of Good Living."

Well, this story I came across today shows that is more than empty words--San Carlos really is the City of Good Living!

Last month a Good Samaritan found several $100 bills dancing along a downtown sidewalk, in the heart of our shopping area; looking further, he saw a whole stack of bills, totaling $2,000. He immediately took the money to the Police Department, where it was held for safekeeping.

Meanwhile, the woman who had withdrawn the cash from the local Wells Fargo Bank discovered a hole in her jacket pocket and the cash gone. After properly identifying herself, and with the assistance of the bank teller, the police were able to turn the money over to her. The thankful woman not only gave the finder some award, but made a donation to the police department's Juvenile Diversion Program. The police also acknowledged the Samaritan with their Citizen Appreciation Coin.

If you want to learn more about living on the Peninsula, log onto the Facebook page, Peninsula Living. San Carlos might just be the place you want to call home. Our real estate market is strong and active, and it's the people who help make it so great, not to mention the hiking, biking, trail running, schools, youth sports, rec center classes, concerts, farmers' markets, shops, libraries, etc.!

2448 Coronet Blvd., Belmont, CA 94002
Open House - Sunday, May 16, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

If you haven't had a chance to visit this 4-bedroom, 3-bath Belmont beauty -- or if you'd like to see it a second time - join us at the Open House this coming Sunday.

Today in Belmont, California, there are 20 4-bedroom homes currently listed on the multiple listing service. Of those, only 7 are listed at a lower price. Most of those are short-sales or in the flat lands, close to Highway 101. There is tremendous value at 2448 Coronet -- a view house with a relatively level back yard for barbecues, play and relaxation. Come by and see for yourself.

FREE is good! Here's a great opportunity for you--but you have to act now!

When: Today, May 12, and May 19, 6:30-9:30 PM (2 nights)
Where: Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City, CA 94061

This session of the Retirement Planning Today course taught by John D. Lee, Certified Financial Planner, did not fill up completely. John has very kindly offered FREE attendance to friends and colleagues of mine, waiving the $59.00 fee. He has space for 4 or 5 couples.

Just call John Lee's office, 650-227-0366 or email him at jlee@sgc-financial.com and he'll put you on the student roster free of charge.

This very valuable class will teach you how to:

• Determine the amount of money you need to retire
• Create your own goals for a "successful retirement"
• Eliminate debt and improve cash flow
• Properly convert your IRA to a Roth IRA
• Select the retirement plan distribution choice that is right for you
• Plan your retirement income to preserve a comfortable standard of living
• Transfer the risk of potential financial losses before or during retirement
• Reduce or eliminate taxes, expenses, delays and legal challenges with estate planning

My husband and I took the class last Fall, learned a ton, and are very impressed with Mr. Lee's knowledge, integrity and thoroughness.

Highly recommended at the regular price--super opportunity for FREE!