Saturday, January 31, 2026

Selling your home after 63 can be a punishing Medicare mistake. Why it could cost you thousands in added premiums

Title: Selling your home after 63 can be a punishing Medicare mistake. Why it could cost you thousands in added premiums

Article Snip: "For many retirees, selling their home is one of the biggest financial windfalls they’ll see outside of work — especially if they’ve owned it for decades...IRMAA is calculated based on your household Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). It generally includes capital gains, meaning the net profit from the sale of a home can push your income over the threshold, according to the AARP. ...surcharge becomes a consideration if you sell your home at any point after turning 63."

Reference: www.aol.com






Friday, January 30, 2026

“It Can’t Perform Miracles”- OPM Director Pulls Back Curtain on Retirement System

Title: “It Can’t Perform Miracles”- OPM Director Pulls Back Curtain on Retirement System

Article Snip: "...for the first time, applications made via the Online Retirement Application (ORA) are surpassing those made via paper. The director said there are currently 107,000 applications sitting in ORA. ...notes that OPM is completing ORA applications in less than 40 days from when they are received, twice as fast as paper claims. "

Reference: www.fedmanager.com






Flashback Finance: The Cost of Retiring the Year You Were Born

Title: Flashback Finance: The Cost of Retiring the Year You Were Born

Article Snip: "...Just like groceries, gas and home prices, the cost of retiring is subject to inflation. Here is a look at what it cost to retire in the year you were born. ...For boomers and Gen X, the challenge is unique: you are the "bridge generation," tasked with funding a 30-year retirement using modern tools while navigating a cost of living that has soared since your first paycheck."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Cost of Retiring the Year You Were Born






Monday, January 26, 2026

People Are Sharing The Money-Saving "Cheat Codes" They Wish They'd Figured Out Sooner, And I'm Taking Notes

Title: People Are Sharing The Money-Saving "Cheat Codes" They Wish They'd Figured Out Sooner, And I'm Taking Notes

Article Snip: "... 5. "Switch insurance every year. I usually save $300, where if I stayed, I would be paying $300 more. ...14. "I finally retired last year, but when I was working, every time I got a raise, I pretended" ...20. "Contribute to your sa..."

Reference: www.buzzfeed.com
Money Saving Tips,






Warren Buffett's Latest Advice on Debt, Parenting, Picking a Job

Title: Warren Buffett's Latest Advice on Debt, Parenting, Picking a Job

Article Snip: "...The famed investor, 95, also offered timeless advice about parenting, moving on from mistakes, choosing a job, and living a full life during the two-hour CNBC special titled: "Warren Buffett: A Life and Legacy."

Many people "love spending beyond their income" by racking up credit-card debt, but that's a path to ruin, ...
"

Reference: www.businessinsider.com






Friday, January 23, 2026

Requirements to maximize the $6,000 tax credit for Social Security retirees

Title: Requirements to maximize the $6,000 tax credit for Social Security retirees

Article Snip: "...The new federal deduction for older taxpayers represents one of the most targeted tax relief measures for retirees in recent years. Unlike broad stimulus checks or across-the-board rate cuts, this benefit is narrowly designed to reduce taxable income for people aged 65 and older between 2025 and 2028. Its timing is not accidental. It arrives in an environment defined by persistent inflation, higher living costs for seniors, and growing pressure on fixed retirement incomes.

The deduction functions as a tax shield rather than a refundable credit. That distinction matters. By lowering adjusted taxable income, it reduces federal income tax liability dollar for dollar at the retiree’s marginal rate. Economically, this encourages consumption...
"

Reference: www.msn.com






Can the flu shot actually give you influenza?

Title: Can the flu shot actually give you influenza?

Article Snip: "...Some surveys have shown that nearly 30% of people believe getting a flu shot can actually cause influenza.

This belief is likely due to...
"

Reference: www.foxnews.com






Sunday, January 18, 2026

I was told to stop squatting because of bad knees—here’s how I still get an effective leg workout

Title: I was told to stop squatting because of bad knees—here’s how I still get an effective leg workout

Article Snip: "...Rather than stop training my legs altogether, I found ways to work around my pain..."

Reference: www.fitandwell.com
Health Watch,Knee Health,Single-leg press and step-up,Exercise,






Seniors 65+ | What is the IRS 1040-SR? 2025 U.S. Income Tax Return Form for Seniors

Title: Seniors 65+ | What is the IRS 1040-SR? 2025 U.S. Income Tax Return Form for Seniors

Article Snip: "...Form 1040-SR is available as a large print optional alternative to using Form 1040 for taxpayers who are age 65 or older. Form 1040-SR uses the same schedules and instructions as Form 1040 does. ..."

Reference: IRS.gov
1040-SR 2025, 2025 Taxes, Federal Seniors Tax Form,






View the DRAFT of Publication 554 Tax Guide for Seniors For use in preparing 2025 Returns

Title: View the DRAFT of Publication 554 Tax Guide for Seniors For use in preparing 2025 Returns

Article Snip: "...This is an early release draft of an IRS tax form, instructions, or publication, which the IRS is providing for your information. Do not file draft forms. We incorporate all significant changes to forms posted with this coversheet. However, unexpected issues occasionally arise, or legislation is passed—in this case, we will post a new draft of the form to alert users that changes were made to the previously posted draft..."

Reference: www.irs.gov
Publication 554 Tax Guide for Seniors For use in preparing 2025 Returns, Seniors Tax Filing Information for 2025 Tax Returns,2025 Taxes,






IRS.gov | E-file: Do your taxes for free

Title: IRS.gov | E-file: Do your taxes for free

Article Snip: "...Choose an IRS Free File Option: Guided tax software

For $89,000 adjusted gross income (AGI) or less

Let the software do the work

You choose from IRS partner tax software companies
Simple questions to guide you
Accurate math calculations guaranteed
Some free state tax preparation and filing...
"

Reference: www.irs.gov
IRS.gov | E-file: Do your taxes for free, Taxes, Free Federal Tax Filing, E-File,






Saturday, January 17, 2026

New Food Pyramid

Title: RFK Jr.'s New Healthy Food Pyramid

Image of New Food Pyramid
Article Snip: "...Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced new dietary guidelines for Americans focused on promoting whole foods, proteins and healthy fats.

At a press conference Wednesday, the administration unveiled a new food pyramid with red meat, cheese, vegetables and fruits pictured at the top.

Kennedy described the guidelines as the most significant reset on nutrition policy in history...
"

Reference: www.npr.org
New Food Pyramid, U.S. Department of Agriculture/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,






Bye-Bye, Snowbirds: Wealthy Americans Are Relocating Permanently for Retirement

Title: Bye-Bye, Snowbirds: Wealthy Americans Are Relocating Permanently for Retirement — and This Financial Adviser Can't Fault Their Logic

Article Snip: "...Why head south for the winter and pay for two properties when you can have a better lifestyle year-round in a less expensive state? Permanent relocation is a much savvier retirement strategy, as this financial adviser explains. ..Texas and Florida, have become wealth magnets, while states including California and New York are losing billions from outbound migration.."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Southern Migration, Sanctuary City Exodus, Expensive Crime Infested States See a Migration South, Intelligent Migration of Americans, Retirement Strategy of the Wealthy, Commonsense Living, Outbound Migration,






Thursday, January 15, 2026

Amazon | J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2026: For Preparing Your 2025 Tax Return

Title: J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2026: For Preparing Your 2025 Tax Return

Amazon | J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2026: For Preparing Your 2025 Tax Return
The most up-to-date entry in America’s #1 all-time best-selling personal tax guide

J.K. Lasser’sYour Income Tax 2026: For Preparing Your 2025 Tax Return delivers practical and hands-on guidance for everyday people preparing to file their taxes for the 2025 calendar year. You’ll find timely and up-to-date info about the latest changes to the US tax code, as well as worksheets and forms you can use to make filing your taxes easier. You’ll get the most current insight on how to maximize your credits and deductions, keeping more money in your pocket.

In the latest edition of this celebrated and best-selling series, you’ll find:

Special features that walk you through the most recent Tax Court decisions and IRS rulings that determine how your deductions and credits will work
Simple tips and tricks on how to properly file your taxes, as well as tax planning strategies that save you and your family money Full updates on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it could impact your tax
A revised and expanded section on cryptocurrency.

Trusted by hundreds of thousands of Americans for over 80 years, J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2026 is the perfect resource for everyone looking for the latest and most up-to-date personal tax information to make filing their next tax return a breeze.

Reference: Amazon






When Can I Expect My Annual 1099-R Tax Statement From OPM?

Title: When Can I Expect My Annual 1099-R Tax Statement From OPM?

Article Snip: "...If your 1099-R delivery preference is set to Postal mail, we will mail your 1099-R in the last week of January, using the address we have on file for you as of the second week of December. If you have not received your 1099-R by the first week of February, we may not have your current address. Sign in to Retirement Services Online or call us at 1-888-767-6738 to update your mailing address. Your 1099-R will be available online on Retirement Services Online by January 31. ..."

Reference: www.opm.gov
Tax Time,1099-R, 1099R,






5 Hidden Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage Plans

Title: 5 Hidden Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage Plans

Article Snip: "...Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, also known as Medicare Part C, have gained popularity due to their advertised low premiums and extra benefits, such as dental and vision coverage. Private insurance companies administer these plans as an alternative to Original Medicare, often bundling services into one plan. While these plans may seem attractive, they have significant drawbacks..."

Reference: www.medicare.org
Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), High Out-of-Pocket Costs, Restricted Provider Networks, Plans Change Every Year, Prior Authorization & Claim Denials,Limited Coverage for Travelers,






Understanding Medicare Part D and Prescription Drug Coverage

Title: Understanding Medicare Part D and Prescription Drug Coverage

Article Snip: "...The Medicare prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D) is offered through private insurance companies and covers most outpatient prescription drugs. It is available as a stand-alone plan to be added to Original Medicare coverage or included in the benefits of most Medicare Advantage plans. Those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage (this includes some private fee-for-service plans and Medical Savings Account plans) can also enroll in stand-alone Part D plans. ..."

Reference: www.medicarerights.org
Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D,






Medicare Advantage Can No Longer Cover These Items in 2026

Title: Medicare Advantage Can No Longer Cover These Items in 2026

Article Snip: "...What is Medicare Advantage no longer allowed to cover?

The specific listed services Medicare Advantage is no longer allowed to cover under the new CMS rule include: Alcohol, Tobacco products, ...
"

Reference: www.fool.com
Medicare Advantage






How to Use Your Health Savings Account in Retirement

Title: How to Use Your Health Savings Account in Retirement

Article Snip: "...A Health Savings Account (HSA) is often viewed as a tool for current medical expenses, but its "triple-tax advantage" makes it one of the most powerful and flexible retirement savings vehicles available. By strategically saving and investing your HSA funds during your working years, you can unlock the full potential of these accounts to cover health care costs and even supplement your income in retirement.

After age 65, the account can even serve as a supplemental income source. At that point, the 20% penalty for non-qualified medical withdrawals disappears, leaving the funds subject only to standard income tax ...
"

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Health Savings Account (HSA),Retirement Tips,Health Watch,






Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Medicare mistakes seniors wish they’d known sooner

Title: Medicare mistakes seniors wish they’d known sooner

Article Snip: "... the most serious costs tied to those choices often surface years later. By the time health declines and medical needs increase, options may already be narrowed or gone.

Medicare decisions made quickly or without guidance can carry permanent consequences. Late-enrollment penalties, coverage restrictions, and lost flexibility are frequently irreversible, making Medicare a core retirement planning decision, not a box to be checked.

The remedy, advisers say, is prevention through planning. ...Medicare.gov offers this example: If you wait two full years, or 24 months, to enroll in Part B and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you owe a 20% penalty, reflecting two missed 12-month periods.

For 2026, that would work out as follows:
• Standard Part B premium: $202.90
• Late enrollment penalty (20%): $40.58
"

Reference: www.thestreet.com
Medicare Mistakes, Medicare part B, Late-enrollment penalties,