Local Activities and Community EventsFinancial Savings Tip: All Cash DietConsider an All Cash Diet. If you’re consistently overspending ditch carrying your debit and credit card and bring cash only.

Source: muse.com

Avoid a Tax Refund Delay: Plan Ahead!As tax filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding taxpayers about steps they can take now to ensure smooth processing of their 2016 tax return and avoid a delay in getting their tax refund next year.

The IRS reminds taxpayers to be sure they have all the documents they need, such as W-2s and 1099s, before filing a tax return. You may also need a copy of your 2015 tax return to make it easier to fill out a 2016 tax return. Beginning in 2017, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income amount from a prior tax return to verify their identity. Learn more about how to verify your identity and electronically sign your tax return by visiting www.irs.com. The IRS will begin accepting and processing tax returns once the filing season begins.Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH Act), any Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) issued prior to 2013 or that haven’t been used for tax years 2013, 2014 and 2015 will no longer be valid for use on a tax return as of Jan. 1, 2017. For more information, visit the ITIN information page on IRS.gov.

If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) on your tax return, the IRS must hold your refund until February 15. This new law requires the IRS to hold the entire refund, even the portion not associated with EITC or ACTC. This change helps ensure that you receive the refund you are owed by giving the agency more time to help detect and prevent fraud.The IRS always cautions taxpayers not to rely on getting a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills. Though the IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days, some returns are held for further review.

The easiest way to avoid common errors that delay processing a tax return is to e-file. E-file is the most accurate way to prepare a return and file. There are a number of e-file options:•IRS Free File•Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elder¬ly programs•Commercial tax preparation software•A tax professional

Source:Servicecoordinators.com

Tax Season Tips

RecipeFinancial Saving Tips

Local Activities and Community Events

DC Metro Hiring Event: January 11th 11:00a - 1:00p

Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. NW, Washington, D.C 20008

Jobs include Police Officer, Dispatcher, Personal Banker, Bank Teller, Financial Services Representative, Retail Manager, Service Manager, Sales Manager and more!

Must register to attend.

Visit eventbright.com and search D.C. Metro 2017 Hiring Event.

Your Washington WizardsCheck out the Washington Wizards at home this month!

With the Redskins regular schedule now over, you can check out the Washington Wizards this month.

Washington Wizards Basketball Schedule (Home)Friday, January 6th, 7:00p v. Minnesota Timberwolves, Verizon CenterTuesday, January 10th, 7:00p v. Chicago Bulls, Verizon CenterSaturday, January 14th, 8:00p v. Philadelphia SixersMonday, January 16th, 2:00p v. Portland TrailblazersWednesday, January 18th, 7:00p v. Memphis Grizzlies, Verizon Center Monday, January 23rd, 7:00p v. Charlotte Hornets

Properties with resident services, please see bulletin board/flyer holders for upcoming programs and services.

January Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Ingredients•2 whole chickens, cut fricassee style (breast cut into 2, legs separated from thighs, wings and back discarded)•2 tablespoons olive oil•1 head garlic, broken into whole, unpeeled cloves•2 cups chicken stock or jus•1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, roughly chopped in a food processor with juice•2 roasted red peppers, peeled and sliced into strips•2 branches rosemary, leaves picked•4 branches thyme, leaves picked•1 tablespoon red wine vinegar•Sea salt•Crushed black pepper

Instructions1. Preheat oven to 375°. Season chicken on all sides with salt and crushed black pepper.2. Situate a large roasting pan between two burners over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. When pan is hot, roast chicken pieces skin side down and cook until brown. Pour off fat, turn chicken pieces over and add garlic, chicken stock, tomatoes, peppers, rosemary and thyme.3. Place roasting in oven and cook until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.4. Place chicken on a serving platter. Add vine-gar to sauce, stir to combine (if sauce is too thin, place roasting pan back on stove top situated between two burners and cook down until it reaches desired consistency.5. Pour sauce over chicken and serve.

Source: https://www.citymeals.org/news-more/in-the-kitchen/on-the-menu/meat-poultry/chick-en-cacciatore

Columbus Property Management Newsletter January 2017

CPM Connections

Office Closings

Property Management and Resident Services will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 16.

Offices will reopen on Tuesday morning.

Grievance Procedure for ResidentsA resident may ask CPM to reconsider any adverse decision should a dispute not be resolved through normal procedures at the site level. Request for reconsideration must be in writing and must set forth the specific reasons why the resident or prospective resident believes the decision was in error. Any reconsideration request must be limited to the allegation and issues directly related to the alleged adverse action. The complainant must identify all relevant information that he or she believes is incorrect or that was omitted from previous consideration. The request must include all new and material information believed to support the reconsideration request. All grievances will be reviewed by a company officer and will be responded to within 10 business days of receipt.

Please direct all grievances to: Columbus Property Management, Attn: Grievance/Complaint, 2042-48 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or by email to: corporate@columbuspm.org

Never Write a Rent Check Again! It’s the beginning of the month-you got things to do, places to be, and bills to pay. We understand how busy you are and how long that ‘to-do’ list can get.

That’s why we’ve made it as easy as possible to mark “pay rent” off the list every month with our convenient and secure, electronic payment and mobile app option! You can make a one-time rent payment online or with our app without purchasing a money order or standing in line. It’s fast, easy and can be done when you want, from where you want.

Plus it’s FREE! That’s right, FREE! Save time and money by paying your rent online or with our app!

Please contact Susan McMichael at (215) 557-8414 x3211 to sign up today!

Management and Resident Services wish a “Happy Birthday” to all residents born in January!

Volume 1, Issue 4

Table of Contents

Page 2

Local Activities and Community Events

Page 3

Financial Tip

Tips for Seniors

Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Page 4

Housekeeping Tips

Pay Rent Online!

Monthly Quote

Grievance Policy

Brought to you by Columbus Property Management, a member of Mission First Housing Group

Five Ways to Stick with Your New Year’s Resolutions With 2017 quickly approaching, it’s time to consider the things we want to change in our lives next year. For many of us, these aspirations come in the form of New Year’s resolu-tions. But keeping these resolutions often seems impossible.Here are a few ways you can stick with yours.1. Clearly Define GoalsThe problem most people have is that they don’t set the right goals. In order to increase your chances of actually accomplishing your resolution.• Goals need to have specific outcomes.• You need to have a way of measuring your results. • Goals need to be realistic and achievable. • Good goals are relevant. • Goals should be time-bound. 2. Set Check PointsIt’s one thing to have a goal that says something like, “I want to lose 25 pounds by December 31, 2017.” It’s another thing to say, “I want to lose 2 pounds per month, every month this year.” The latter gives you something to work with. You need to lose 2 pounds every month, which keeps you on pace. If your goal is to lose 25 pounds by the end of the year, it’s easy to put things off until October or November (when it’s almost too late).3. Keep a Calendar With RemindersIf you’re a visual person, you need to keep a calendar with reminders on it. Find a cal-endar that you like, hang it on your wall, and place little notes and progress reports on it. This allows you to look ahead and see what needs to be done during any given week or month in order to help you realize your resolution for the year.4. Allow for FlexibilityOne common problem people have is that they feel as if their resolutions are “all or nothing.” In other words, if you can’t fully check something off the list, they won’t do it at all. This is a dangerous way of thinking and you need to avoid it.“The difference between doing something rather than nothing is huge,” leadership coach Kevin Kruse says. “If you don’t have a full hour to workout at the gym, just decide to make it the best 20-minutes you can. If you have a slight cold or minor injury, decide to just walk the track for a couple miles. If you have a financial emergency and can’t save your full 10% this month, just save what you can. The bottom line is, any effort towards your goal is better than no effort.”5. Have an Accountability PartnerThe final tip is to have an accountability partner. When someone else is aware of your goals and resolutions, you’re much more likely to stick with them. Connect with someone you trust and ask them to hold you accountable.You Can Do It! Keeping your New Year’s resolutions (especially one that’s mentally or physically challenging) can seem impossible. However, once you accomplish your first resolution, you’ll realize that it’s not only possible – it’s also rewarding and fun. Follow these tips and you can be sure to make progress with your resolutions in 2017.

Housekeeping Tips: Protect Your JointsTo minimize trauma on your body and joints while cleaning, first warm up by walking around the house. Then follow these joint-friendly easy cleaning moves.Back-Safe BendingCommon mistake: Bending from the waist.Typical tasks: Unloading washer, dryer and dishwasher; gathering and picking up items; washing dishes; ironing; cleaning under furniture; scrubbing tubs; making beds.Safe solutions:• Follow the old saying, “bend with your knees, not your back.” Slightly flex knees, and keep a hollow in your back.• When standing, minimize back pressure by placing one foot on an elevated surface, such as a stepstool or bottom shelf.• When unloading, use a “golfer’s lift.” Simply kick back the leg opposite your extended arm.• Kneel or get help for floor-level or awkward tasks.Reach RightCommon mistake: Reaching with your arm fully stretched.Typical tasks: Dusting; washing dishes; reaching overhead shelves; cleaning windows or walls; picking up objects.Safe solutions:• Keep arms close to your body to minimize strain on shoulders.• Bring objects to waist level instead of reaching out with arms.• Utilize wands and poles with extended handles.• Avoid excessive back and arm extension by using a sturdy stepstool when reaching for overhead items.Knee Know-HowCommon mistake: Kneeling on both knees.Typical tasks: Washing floors; cleaning low cabinets; scrubbing tubs and showers.Safe solutions: • Kneel on one knee and switch knees often to minimize and disperse pressure.• Wear kneepads or cushion knees with a piece of clothing or a mat.

Source: The Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org