We've been getting calls from people looking for an accountant because they've been caught with mortgage with payments too high for their income. They're hoping that a CPA will have a magic bullet that will let them keep their house.

There is no magic around that we're aware of. But, there are steps to take when you're first worried about your mortgage payments.

You will learn how systems are essential to the business process and how you can develop those systems so you can work ON your business and not IN it at a free two-hour business growth seminar offered by Sterck Kulik O'Neill.

The next session of this popular class is scheduled for 5 pm Tuesday, October 16 at Sterck Kulik O'Neill's San Francisco office.

Attendance is very limited, and we urge you to register today!

Maybe it's another fallout of rising mortgage rates, but we're also getting asked a lot lately if those expensive home repairs can be deducted from the tax bill. After all, some other home ownership costs -- such as qualified mortgage interest -- can be used to decrease what you pay the government.

Unfortunately, home repairs costs generally don't help homeowners with their taxes. But, the American Institute of Certified Pubic Accountants (AICPA) tells you how renovations to your home can lower what you owe when you sell your house.

Last week the 2008 editions of QuickBooks and Quicken were released.

Businesses and individuals who have waited for the "new model year" can dive in -- the chrome on these babies is still shiny.

Most owners of late-model QuickBooks and Quicken won't need to trade-up. But, take a spin and see what's new in the product lines.