Diablo Gazette November 2023
Let’s Save Some Money and Have Some Fun with Our Savings
PROP 19: It was something for those over 55’ers and those that love them. While there are fewer advantages than we all thought when this was passed, some things are worth noting.
Prior to Prop 19, if you were over 55 and sell a property and purchase another for $1 less than what you sold, you could transfer your property tax base to your new property in certain counties in California who reciprocated this tax advantage, one time.
AFTER Prop 19, you can transfer that tax base up to three times anywhere in California. For folks that have transferred their tax base once or twice, you can still move years later and use this tax advantage. The forms are located on the Contra Costa County Tax Assessor website.
PGE Energy Savings Assistance
Program Have you got mom or dad, or aunt, uncle, friend that have lived in their homes for many years, now on fixed incomes who cannot afford some upgrades that might help with their utility bills? (They can be either owners or renters.)
There is a program that has some parameters, such as income limits, $36,450 for one person, $49,300 for two persons, etc. — or on medical, or disability, etc., who would qualify.
It pays to check because the upgrades would be for insulation, replacing old refrigerators, furnaces or water heaters if approved. These upgrades do not have to be paid back. The current income limits and program is effective June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024. Check out the full program on pge. com/energy savings.
The exceptions for qualifying are not easy to locate on the website, so call 1-800-933- 9555 and speak to someone. What have you got to lose?
Enjoy even more savings on entertainment
Reading books and watching movies make up much of our entertainment choices. Consider taking advantage of these simple savings recommendations. Enjoy yourself.
BookMooch.com — For those that still like a book in their hands, this is a book swap service that does not charge a fee, although you do pay postage. You might want to send a book or post a review and rack up your points. You can elect US Only swaps to keep the postage fees down.
The Contra Costa County Library website offers free digital books you can take out for no fee. Readers love this service. Www. ccclib.org
Libby (formerly OverDrive) is an awardwinning reading app that provide many popular fiction and nonfiction titles.
Enki Library provides titles from small press and independent publishers.
Skillsoft IT offers Pro eBooks and videos offers a wide range of technology topics including coding, business and IT, and certification starting at just $19/mo.
TumbleBooks provides children’s eBooks and curriculum.
Cinemark Movie Club – www.Cinemark.com/movie-rewards-info - if you are movie buff, or go a few times a year, this is definitely a good deal. $9.99 per month. One FREE ticket per month and 20% off concessions. It makes a great gift that pays for itself. If you don’t go for a couple of months, you can roll over the FREE ticket and take friends or family. If you just want to be a movie fan, sign up, it is free. They just track your movie going and concessions and give you points that you can redeem later.
