JAMES CLINGMAN

 (NNPA)—The aphorism, “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” is especially relevant to the conversations being held among Black people vis-à-vis our president and our lack of economic progress in this country. The “friend in need” is the collective of African-Americans who overwhelmingly voted for Barack Obama but find ourselves even worse off economically, as Ben Jealous pointed out a few weeks ago, than we were prior to our “friend” being elected to the highest office in the land.

ALEXANDER NICHOLS

PITTSBURGH  – From July 15  - 18 over 100 leaders in minority business  development from across the country will convene in Pittsburgh for three days of meetings for the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Quarterly Meeting, hosted by the Western Pennsylvania Minority Supplier Development Council (WPMSDC) at The Renaissance Hotel.

Leadership Breakfast Series
    JUNE 6—The Duquesne University School of Leadership & Professional Advancement will host its Leadership Breakfast Series from 8-10 a.m. at Duquesne’s Power Center, Ballroom West, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. The topic is “Leading Organizational Change: Changing Mindsets, Attitudes and Culture.” Sonia Layne-Gartside will lead this educational and networking event on the people side of change and how to create real behavioral change in an organization’s culture. Registration is required and the cost will include a continental breakfast and materials. For more information, call 412-396-5600 or visit www.duq.edu/leadershipseries.

The First Step
    JUNE 7—The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence will host The First Step: Mechanics of Starting a Small Business from 7:30-10 a.m. at the University, Mervis Hall, Roberto Clemente Dr., Oakland. The seminar will help attendees explore the size of one’s market and what marketing tools will be needed to attract customers, business structures, access helpful resources and more. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-628-1542 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Open House
    JUNE 10—Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship will host a Summer Open House from 5-7 p.m. at Chatham University, Woodland Rd., Oakland. Individuals will have the opportunity to meet the University’s staff, facilitators and past participants while learning about all of their services for women business owners and women in business. Registration is required. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Doing Business with Highmark    
    June 12—The Business Institute of The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host “How to do Business with the Highmark” from 9-11 a.m. at Highmark, Fifth Avenue Place, 5th Ave., Downtown. The workshop is for Chamber members only. You will be introduced to Highmark’s new procedures of doing business. Meet their managers and start the process of building relationships with key decisions. Registration is required by June 7. For more information, call 412-392-0610 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Wellness Expo
    JUNE 13—The Pittsburgh Business Times and the UPMC Health Plan will host the Wellness Expo from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Downtown. Exhibitors will receive exposure to hundreds of business professionals and business owners. Reservations are requested. For more information, call Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Leading Organizational Change
    JUNE 13—The Duquesne University School of Leadership and Professional Advancement will host its Personal Effectiveness Webinar Series from 12-1 p.m. at 210 Rockwell Hall, Pittsburgh. The topic will be “Leading Organizational Change.” The webinar will help individuals learn how to deal with dual challenges and lead their organizations through the change process. Registration is requested. For more information, call 412-396-5600 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Breakfast Series
    JUNE 14—The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship will host the 2013 Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the James Laughlin Music Hall, Woodland Rd., Oakland. Guest speakers Rachel Blaufield, Deborah Gilboa and Kiya Tomlin will present on the “Mompreneurs: Changing the Way Business is Done Using Social Media.” Registration is required. For more information, call 412-365-2779.

(To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .)

Follow @NewPghCourier on Twitter  https://twitter.com/NewPghCourier
Like us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Pittsburgh-Courier/143866755628836?ref=hl
Download our mobile app at http://www.appshopper.com/news/new-pittsburgh-courier

If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines to purchase a home or put yours on the market because of the sluggish economy of the past few years, the time for action may have finally arrived. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the law that addressed “fiscal cliff” issues, helped to clarify several home sale and purchase questions. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers perspective on provisions of the act that relate to the real estate market and on other things to consider when making your decision.

The mortgage deduction endures

During the final fiscal cliff negotiations in Washington at the end of last year, some economic watchers were concerned about whether or not homeowners would continue to be allowed to deduct mortgage interest from their taxable income. The new law does not eliminate that deduction, and that’s a positive development for homeowners because the tax bite could have been significant. At the same time, many aspiring first-time homeowners might have found it hard to afford mortgage costs without this deduction. The final deal also preserved the deduction for the cost of private mortgage insurance, which is used by buyers who are making less than a 20 percent down payment. Loss of either of these deductions could have made waves in the market for both buyers and sellers.

Short sales are still on the table

The new law gives a one-year reprieve to homeowners whose homes are “underwater,” which is when a mortgage is greater than the current value of the home. Under a previous tax rule, homeowners who receive loan modifications or engage in short sales did not have to pay taxes on that debt relief, but that provision expired at the end of 2012. The new law extends that relief for one year, adding some stability to the real estate market and potentially making it easier for struggling homeowners to hold on to their properties and avoid going directly into foreclosure.

Have your finances in order

When it comes to home ownership, knowing you’re taking the right step involves ensuring that you have the right budget for the property you’re considering. As a general rule, mortgage costs--including your mortgage principal and interest, as well as taxes, insurance, and related monthly fees–shouldn’t add up to more than 30 percent of your income. You should also determine if there are any problems with your credit score or history that might prevent you from getting a loan. As part of the process, you may want to contact a lender to get prequalified for a mortgage amount so you have a realistic sense of what you will be able to borrow. When you research neighborhoods, remember that good school systems can help keep home prices strong, so find out about the quality of the school district even if you don’t have kids.

Talk to your local CPA

Both buyers and sellers should keep in mind that there is still a great deal of uncertainty in the housing market. When contemplating any significant financial step, remember that it’s always a good idea to review your financial position to determine if it’s the right thing to do. Before you take this big step, consult your local CPA. He or she can offer advice on taxes and other issues related to home ownership, and provide information and insights on all your financial concerns.

(To find a CPA in Pennsylvania by location or area of expertise, visit www.IneedaCPA.org.)

Follow @NewPghCourier on Twitter  https://twitter.com/NewPghCourier
Like us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Pittsburgh-Courier/143866755628836?ref=hl
Download our mobile app at http://www.appshopper.com/news/new-pittsburgh-courier