Angie Johnson's Blog

San Francisco Chronicle - Foreclosure filings declined in California and the Bay Area in the fourth quarter of 2011 as the housing market improved and lenders evolved their policies for home repossessions, according to a report released Tuesday by DataQuick, a real estate service in San Diego. MORE

Legendary Napa Valley - Sip, sup, and savor some of the Napa Valley's finest foods and wines during Napa Valley Restaurant Month. Throughout January, the legendary wine and culinary destination that earned 14 Michelin Stars for 2012 offers unique dining opportunities and special menus that celebrate country-lane freshness and the terroir of its world-renowned wines and artisanal produce. MORE

New York Times - It has long been an element of the American dream for a homeowner to burn the mortgage note and celebrate, as soon as he or she is able to pay it off. Conventional wisdom held that this would help pave the way for a debt-free retirement. But in today’s shaky economy, many financial advisers are suggesting that homeowners wait. MORE

Bloomberg - States facing shrinking revenues approved $23.9 billion in new taxes and fees in 2010. They imposed a further $6.2 billion in taxes in 2011 and proposed $13.8 billion in new taxes for 2012, according to the National Association of State Budget Officers.

How Does Your State Tax Burden Compare? Click here.