Thursday, December 29, 2022

Here’s what Secure 2.0 means for you if you’re getting close to retirement

Title: Here’s what Secure 2.0 means for you if you’re getting close to retirement

Article Snip: "...Because there are more than 90 provisions in Secure 2.0, there are other changes that could impact your retirement planning. For instance, there are modifications related to annuities and qualified charitable distributions that may factor into how you plan financially for your retirement.  Additionally, if you’ve lost track of a retirement plan you had at a previous employer, be aware that Secure 2.0 directs the Labor Department to create, within two years, a national online, searchable “lost and found” database. ..."

Reference: www.cnbc.com


If I have retiree coverage through the FEHB, do I need to enroll in Medicare?

Title: If I have retiree coverage through the FEHB, do I need to enroll in Medicare?

Article Snip: "...Should I enroll in Part B if I have FEHB coverage? Deciding whether to enroll in Part B is complicated. And unlike Medicare Part A, all enrollees pay a premium for Medicare Part B ($171.10/month in 2022 for most people). While FEHB plans cover most of the same types of expenses that Medicare covers, FEHB plans’ coverage may be more limited than Medicare Part B when it comes to orthopedic and prosthetic devices, durable medical equipment, home healthcare, medical supplies, and chiropractic care. Conversely, FEHB plans cover emergency care received outside the United States, and this isn’t covered by Original Medicare at all – and is rarely covered by Medicare Advantage. FEHB plans may also pay for vision and dental care that’s not covered by Original Medicare and is limited in Medicare Advantage. ..."

Reference: www.medicareresources.org
Medicare and FEHB,Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, FEHB plans, vision and dental care,


How Current and Future Federal Retirees Could Be Affected by the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022

Title: How Current and Future Federal Retirees Could Be Affected by the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022

Article Snip: "...Many health insurance professionals recommend that federal retirees enroll in both an FEHB health plan together and in the “original” Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B). In so doing, they will minimize -and for most federal retirees – eliminate any out-of-pocket medical expenses. This means no deductibles, no co-insurance, no co-payments. ..."

Reference: www.myfederalretirement.com
Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, Medicare Parts A and B, Original Medicare,


Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Retired Postal Worker’s Poem Reflects on Service with USPS

Title: Retired Postal Worker’s Poem Reflects on Service with USPS

Article Snip: "...In 1962, William Costello, the Superintendent of Mails for Willimantic, Connecticut, wrote the poem, “The Veteran Letter Carrier’s Farewell,” which marked the end of his 40 years of service with the Unities States Postal Service. ..."

Reference: www.danapointtimes.com
William Costello, Poet, ...a retired postal worker, 'The Veteran Letter Carrier’s Farewell',


Tuesday, December 27, 2022

People in their 60s and older play pickleball because they can

Title: People in their 60s and older play pickleball because they can

Article Snip: "...Pickleball is a low-impact sport that can be played by more people. You will regularly see people in their 60s and older play pickleball because they can. The court size is only 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, or about 1/4th the size of a tennis court. Hence, there is much less ground to cover. ..."

Reference: www.financialsamurai.com
Pickleball,Retirement Activities,Sports in Retirement,


Will Social Security be taxed when I retire?

Title: Will Social Security be taxed when I retire?

Article Snip: "...When you’re calculating taxes, you must include in income a portion of your Social Security benefits depending on your income, said Bernie Kiely, a certified financial planner and certified public accountant with Kiely Capital Management in Morristown. ...The `base amount’ for a single person is $25,000 and for a married couple filing jointly it is $32,000,” Kiely said."

Reference: www.nj.com
Social Security Benefits,Taxes on Social Security,


The Downsides of Retirement That Nobody Talks About

Title: The Downsides of Retirement That Nobody Talks About

Article Snip: "...The realities you face when you stop working might be a far cry from your retirement dream. Of course, retiring broke or not being able to retire at all are among the worst-case scenarios. Click through to find out 14 downsides of retiring that no one talks about, along with solutions to avoid each potential problem. ..."

Reference: www.gobankingrates.com
Downsides of Retirement


Average Social Security Benefit for 2023

Title: Average Social Security Benefit for 2023

Article Snip: "...Most seniors don't manage to score the highest possible Social Security benefit. In fact, it's estimated that the average monthly benefit in 2023 will be..."

Reference: www.nasdaq.com
Average Social Security Benefit for 2023


OPM Retirement Center

Title: OPM Retirement Center

Article Snip: "...OPM is here to help you transition from serving the American people to enjoying your retirement. These links are useful to new and existing retirees throughout their retirement journey...."

Reference: www.opm.gov
OPM Retirement Center


Genetic Signatures of Exceptional Longevity in Humans

Title: Genetic Signatures of Exceptional Longevity in Humans

Article Snip: "...Like most complex phenotypes, exceptional longevity is thought to reflect a combined influence of environmental (e.g., lifestyle choices, where we live) and genetic factors. To explore the genetic contribution, we undertook a genome-wide association study of exceptional longevity in 801 centenarians (median age at death 104 years) and 914 genetically matched healthy controls. Using these data, we built a genetic model that includes...and our findings suggest that different variants of these genes may have a protective role. The most intriguing examples are LMNA and WRN: while specific variants of these two genes determine progeria and accelerated aging, alternative variants may increase life span. "

Reference: nih.gov


Is longevity determined by genetics?

Title: Is longevity determined by genetics?

Article Snip: "The duration of human life (longevity) is influenced by genetics, the environment, and lifestyle. ...Now people in the United States live about 80 years on average, but some individuals survive for much longer. Scientists are studying people in their nineties (called nonagenarians) and hundreds (called centenarians, including semi-supercentenarians of ages 105-109 years and supercentenarians, ages 110+) to determine what contributes to their long lives. They have found...The study of longevity genes is a developing science. It is estimated that about 25 percent of the variation in human life span is determined by genetics, but which genes, and how they contribute to longevity, are not well understood. A few of the common variations (called polymorphisms) associated with long life spans are found in the APOE, FOXO3, and CETP genes"

Reference: medlineplus.gov


The Worst 11 Foods to Eat When You're Trying to Lose Visceral Fat, According to Dietitians and Doctors

Title: The Worst 11 Foods to Eat When You're Trying to Lose Visceral Fat, According to Dietitians and Doctors

Article Snip: "...foods high in carbohydrates like bread, cereals, and processed fats lead to an increase in visceral fat." Unlike subcutaneous fat that you pinch and feel, visceral fat is hidden deep in your abdomen and coils around your organs. It's been linked to some cancers, type 2 diabetes and more. "Too much visceral fat is unhealthy because of its location in relation to key organs...There's a number of ways to lose visceral fat like ..."

Reference: www.eatthis.com
Health,Diet,


Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Never Too Late: Building Muscle and Strength After 60

Title: Never Too Late: Building Muscle and Strength After 60

Article Snip: "Retirees, take note and flex that bicep...The UAB Center for Exercise Medicine at the University of Alabama has carried out many studies showing that people in their 60s and 70s, who were supervised in a weight-training program, were able to build muscle and strength. ..."

Reference: baptisthealth.net


Can you build muscle after 70 years old?

Title: Can you build muscle after 70 years old?

Article Snip: "...Seniors Can Still Bulk Up On Muscle By Pressing Iron Our muscle mass decreases at surprising rates as we get older. But researchers found that people older than 50 can not only maintain but actually increase their muscle mass by lifting weights. ...The muscle has to adapt to the damage and build itself up to be prepared for the next weightlifting assault. In this way, muscles build fiber and actually increase in size. ..."

Reference: www.npr.org


What Everyone Should Know about the Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

Title: What Everyone Should Know about the Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

Article Snip: "...CDC recommends that adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease. Adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy should also get two doses of Shingrix, as they have a higher risk of getting shingles and related complications. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you Shingrix as a shot in your upper arm. Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN..."

Reference: www.cdc.gov
CDC recommends,Shingles, Shingrix, recombinant zoster vaccine,


Why Does Shingles Lead to Stroke? Scientists Might Have an Answer

Title: Why Does Shingles Lead to Stroke? Scientists Might Have an Answer

Article Snip: "...According to recent research from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, scientists looking into why people who have had shingles are at a higher risk of stroke now believe the answer lies within lipid vesicles called exosomes that transport proteins and genetic information between cells. The study explores the mechanisms behind the connection between shingles and strokes and was recently published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases. “Most people know about the painful rash associated with shingles, but they may not know that the risk of stroke is elevated for a year after infection..."

Reference: scitechdaily.com


5 Hidden Tax Benefits of Retiring in Florida

Title: 5 Hidden Tax Benefits of Retiring in Florida

Article Snip: "It’s no secret that Florida is a mecca for retirees. ...Florida’s cost of living is 1% higher than the national average, with housing being 2% higher than the national average, and utilities 3% higher, according to RentCafe data. However, these are offset by the lower costs of basic necessities such as food, clothing and healthcare — which are 2% lower.  These lower costs combined with the tax advantages make Florida a no-brainer retirement state for many Americans. ..."

Reference: www.nasdaq.com
www.nasdaq.com


Monday, December 19, 2022

Top-rated retirement systems around the globe

Title: Top-rated retirement systems around the globe

Article Snip: "A new report from Morningstar evaluates retirement systems in eight “highly educated and wealthy countries” often cited in independent studies as being among the best in their regions. In a recent webinar reviewing the report, authors Andy Pettit, director, policy research at Morningstar, and Lia Mitchell, senior analyst, policy research, discussed some of the more effective features that they found in the countries that they studied and some areas that would benefit from change in those countries, including the United States. ..."

Reference: www.pensionpolicyinternational.com


Working as a Retiree? 3 Pitfalls You Should Know About

Title: Working as a Retiree? 3 Pitfalls You Should Know About

Article Snip: "Working as a retiree might seem like a good idea, but it could have unwanted financial consequences. Since the latter part of 2021, consumers have been buckling under the weight of inflation. And higher living costs have especially taken a toll on retirees who are limited to a fixed income. As such, some older Americans are making the decision to return to work in some capacity in order to cope with inflation. ..."

Reference: www.fool.com
Working in Retirement


30-year-old boyfriend is person of interest after retiree vanishes

Title: 30-year-old boyfriend is person of interest after retiree vanishes

Article Snip: "Investigators say 59-year-old Deborah Moneymaker Lanham of Wellborn, Florida, was reported missing by her family Dec. 14. Wellborn is about 75 miles west of Jacksonville. ...Her 30-year-old boyfriend is in the Madison County Jail “on charges unrelated to this investigation” as of Dec. 19, officials said."

Reference: www.miamiherald.com


Saturday, November 26, 2022

How Divorce Can Affect Your Social Security Benefits

Title: How Divorce Can Affect Your Social Security Benefits

Article Snip: "1. Can you claim your ex’s Social Security benefit?...Will your ex’s benefits be reduced?...Can you claim both your and your ex’s benefits?...How much will you get in divorced spouse or survivor’s benefits?...How do you apply for these benefits?"

Reference: yahoo.com
Divorce Can Affect Your Social Security Benefits


Beware Federal Employees: Mandatory Medicare First Step to Eliminating FEHB Coverage for Retirees?

Title: Beware Federal Employees: Mandatory Medicare First Step to Eliminating FEHB Coverage for Retirees?

Article Snip: "As is often the case in Congressional bills, the bill’s title does not reveal the real impact of the proposal. In this case, “Postal reform” legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives. The title is accurate but the real impact may be the potential to increase health care premiums for federal employees and retirees enrolled in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans. The legislation could also turn out to be the first step in removing federal retirees from the FEHB. ...Creating the Postal Service Health Benefit Plan (PSHB) The bill would create separate health plans for Postal employees and retirees. These plans would be separate from the current Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) plans. For example, there would be a Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard plan for Feds and a separate one for Postal employees and retirees."

Reference: www.fedsmith.com
Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHB),Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB),Medicare,


Understanding the 4 health coverage types

Title: Understanding the 4 health coverage types

Article Snip: "From USPS News Link...Do you understand the four types of health plans available to Postal Service employees? ..."

Reference: npmhu317.blogspot.com
Open Season

Thursday, November 24, 2022

The 11 Worst Retirement Mistakes: Sidestep Them

Title: The 11 Worst Retirement Mistakes: Sidestep Them

Article Snip: "Think ahead and you can avoid these missteps and save your retirement...If you're part of the 60% of people not on track with your retirement, you can start (or continue) your journey by sidestepping these 11 financial mistakes. ..."

Reference: www.investopedia.com

7 Surprisingly Valuable Assets for a Happy Retirement

Title: 7 Surprisingly Valuable Assets for a Happy Retirement

Article Snip: "...A long and happy retirement takes more than just money. Here are seven things happy retirees do – besides dutifully saving the money they’ll need to quit the 9-to-5 grind. Retirement planning is all about numbers. It centers around one question: Do my financial assets — pension, 401(k)s/IRAs, Social Security, property, sale of a business, etc. — provide enough income to fund my desired retirement lifestyle? At least, that is what most people think. But ask any retiree, and they will likely tell you that it is only half the story. You’ll need enough money to get by, of course, but you don’t have to be super wealthy to be happy. In fact, life satisfaction tops out at an annual salary of $95,000, on average, according to a study by psychologists from Purdue University (opens in new tab). Enough money to never have to worry about going broke (opens in new tab) or paying for medical care is important. But money is not the only or even the most important piece of a fulfilling retirement...."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Retirement Tips,Health in Retirement,

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Sissy Nation: Get Your $1,200 per Month for Being in Transgender Resident

Title: San Francisco Launches Program To Pay Trans Residents $1,200 A Month For 18 Months

Article Snip: "...The program is exclusive to transgender residents of the city, and led by The Transgender District, a neighborhood of the city for transgender people; it will give 55 transgender residents $1,2000 a month for up to 18 months. The move is allegedly part of an effort to advance equity for transgender people. “Guaranteed Income for Transgender..."

Reference: www.dailywire.com
Transgender Privilege, Free Money, San Francisco,

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Is 2022 a good time to retire?

Is 2022 a good time to retire?

Article Snip: "US Falls to 18th Place in Global Retirement Ranking...Americans are losing ground against residents of other countries in what’s shaping up globally to be “one of the worst years to retire in recent memory,” according to a new retirement ranking. ..."

Reference: www.bloomberg.com
2022 Retirement, Worst Year to Retire,Biden/Harris Inflation,


Saturday, October 29, 2022

New Jersey and New York are the worst states to retire in, according to a new report

Title: New Jersey and New York are the worst states to retire in, according to a new report

Article Snip: "A new report from WalletHub seeks to scientifically calculate and rank the best and worst states to retire in. Coming in dead last? New Jersey. If you find yourself laughing at your Garden State neighbors from the other side of the Hudson, you may want to save your Schadenfreude – New York ranked just a hair better for retirees. ...Florida is America's best state to retire in."

Reference: www.usatoday.com
Crime, No Cash Bail, Worst states to retire in, New York, New Jersey,

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Office of Personnel Management hack $63M settlement approved by federal judge

Office of Personnel Management hack $63M settlement approved by federal judge

From the article: "...Following the final fairness hearing, prospective participants will still have until Dec. 23 to join the lawsuit, after which the validity of each claim will be assessed. Assuming there are no appeals, payouts to claimants are expected to take place in the first or second quarter of next year. Under terms of the settlement, each claimant is entitled to a minimum of $700 per claim, up to a maximum of $10,000 per claim. ...Following the breach, OPM contracted with credit monitoring company ID Experts to provide monitoring services to victims of the breach. ...For more information on the settlement or the claims process, please visit www.opmdatabreach.com, which is the website was established consistent with the terms of the settlement agreement. "


Article Reference: www.fedscoop.com
OPM Hack 2015

Monday, October 10, 2022

Federal employee health-care premiums to rise 8.7 percent on average

Title: Federal employee health-care premiums to rise 8.7 percent on average

Article Snip: "...Premiums in the health-care program for federal employees and retirees will increase by 8.7 percent on average for 2023 — the largest increase in more than a decade, the government announced Friday. That change in Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premiums is significantly larger ..."

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premiums 2023, detruction of the Federal and Postal retiree,

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

How will changing federal agencies affect my retirement?

Title: How will changing federal agencies affect my retirement?

Article Snip: "...The following is a question submitted by a Federal Times readers about retirement and other issues facing the federal workforce. It is answered by Reg Jones, a charter member of the senior executive service and a Federal Times columnist since 1995. Question: My situation is that I have 32 plus years federal civilian service, approximately 10 with DoD and the remainder with DOI. My plan is to retire..."

Reference: www.federaltimes.com
Changing Federal Agencies vs Retirement,

Study examines brain structure that may help 'super-agers' stay sharp

Title: Study examines brain structure that may help 'super-agers' stay sharp

Article Snip: "...Researchers have discovered another clue as to how some older people stay sharp as a tack into their 80s and beyond: Their brain cells are really big. The study focused on what scientists have dubbed "super-agers" -- a select group of elderly adults who have the memory skills of people decades younger. ..."

Reference: www.upi.com
Health in Retirement, super-agers,

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Republicans have an opportunity to force Biden’s hand on border security

Title: Republicans have an opportunity to force Biden’s hand on border security

Article Snip: "The ingenious plan of former Trump adviser Stephen Miller is for Republicans to focus attention on Biden’s border crisis by refusing to pass the bill without an amendment to deal with the invasion at the southern border. They also must ensure the continuing resolution expires by February so an incoming Republican majority will not be handcuffed next year"

Reference: nypost.com

Monday, September 26, 2022

'Social Security And Medicare Cuts' | House GOP Says it Out Loud

Title: House GOP Says 'Social Security And Medicare Cuts' Out Loud

Article Snip: "..."This agenda is yet another reminder of who Republicans work for: Their Wall Street and Big Pharma donors," said Lawson. House Republicans are rolling out their agenda just weeks ahead of November midterm elections that will decide control of Congress next year. Politico reported Thursday that several Republican Senate candidates have openly advocated privatization of Social Security and Medicare on the campaign trail in recent weeks. "The privatization is hugely important..."

Reference: crooksandliars.com
Social Security Recipients Need Pay Increase Above Yearly COLA's, Destruction of Social Security, Destruction of the Working Class,social security,


Friday, September 23, 2022

Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) Update

Title: Postal Retirees Deserve Better: Urge Congress to Pass H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act

Article Snip: "...The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal the WEP, which penalizes many APWU retirees who receive a civil service pension but paid into Social Security in previous employment. It also repeals the GPO, which unfairly penalizes many spouses and widows with prior employment pensions. This vote means that we are closer than ever to removing the GPO and WEP. ..."

Reference: apwu.org
Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), Government Pension Offset (GPO), WEP Update,CSRS,Age-Based Discrimination in COLA application (FERS vs CSRS),


Friday, September 16, 2022

Why is the Biden Admin Ignoring the Social Security Pensioners While Giving Money Freely to Illegals and Unions

Title: Why is the Biden Admin Ignoring the Social Security Pensioners While Giving Money Freely to Illegals and Unions

The Biden Administration is flooding the United States with unvetted illegals, inhumanely flooding cities, schools and other resources. Additionally, Biden is buying the votes of college loan debtors and now rail workers while negotiating secret deals. At the same time the Biden Admin is severely underestimating the rage of the retired and retiring blue collar workers on Social Security. With a huge, enraged voting block of 69.1 million people receiving benefits from programs administered by the Social Security Administration ( SSA ) in 2019, the Biden Admin will see this overlooked, huge populace make a statement thru voting in the midterms and 2024. Sadly, the military hating Biden admin has abandoned disabled veterans as well by not increasing Social Security pay and V.A. disability. Again, with a fairly sizeable voting block of Nearly 3.9 million veterans (19.5%) receiving disability compensation, this overlooked group will speak at the voting booth as well. It is truly sad that the United States, under the Biden Administration, military disabled veterans and social security pensioners dont mean anything to them since most are not in the workforce anymore. It's like the Biden Administration feels this large group of voters (and families) are meaningless after they have served their purpose. It is horrible and a huge humanitarian crisis to ignore our once hardworking and loyal workforce. The Biden Admin needs to start looking out for the best interest of Americans ...especially those trying to survive on Social Security. These groups need to stand together and make their voice clear thru voting.

Reference: The Federal Retirement News
social security,Humanitarian Crisis of the Elderly,The Forgotten Americans,Biden Legacy,Biden Admin,


Biden Ignores Elderly on Social Security But Intervenes in Rail Strike Threat Providing Huge Wage Increases

Title: Biden scores deal on rail strike, but worker discontent emerges

Article Snip: "Union leaders had pushed for 15 days of paid sick leave, but the proposed deal landed on just one day. “It’s impossible right now to make heads or tails of what this agreement means, and it’s disgraceful how opaque is it,” said Ron Kaminkow, a locomotive engineer and member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. White House, which had launched an all-out effort in recent days to prevent a shutdown that could have had significant economic and political ramifications in the run-up to the 2022 midterm elections. ..."

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
Haters of the Elderly, Joe Biden, Biden Admin, Starving Social Security Pensioners, Social Security, Destruction of those on Social Security,

Monday, September 12, 2022

What are the 13 states that don't tax pensions or Social Security?

Title: What are the 13 states that don't tax pensions or Social Security?

Article Snip: "States without pension or Social Security taxes include:

Alabama.

Alaska.

Florida...

"

Reference: usnews.com
13 states that don't tax pensions or Social Security

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

China and Mexico are Winning at the U.S. Destruction Game With the Help of the Biden Admin

Title: From China to Mexico to NYC: How fentanyl became ‘a weapon of mass destruction’ in the US

Article Snip: "Once fentanyl reaches the market, traffickers move it to nearby apartments where the drug gets chopped up and packaged into small glassine envelopes. The drugs are then sold on the streets of the city — and up and down the East Coast. “It comes in with the produce,” said Bridget Brennan, who heads the city’s Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, noting that densely packed fentanyl bricks, hidden in box trucks and 18-wheelers, travel by highways from the border with Mexico to the Great Lakes region before coming east. ..."

Reference: nypost.com
Domestic Terrorism Thru Drugs, Biden's War on America, Why do Democrats Hate the United States?, Destruction of America, fentanyl terrorism,Biden Legacy,Harris Legacy,

Friday, September 2, 2022

America’s $7 Trillion Retirement Crisis Is Only Getting Worse

Title: America’s $7 Trillion Retirement Crisis Is Only Getting Worse

Article Snip: "...Economic turmoil took a toll on savings in the first half of 2022 and that’s just the tip of the iceberg as many in the US lack employer-sponsored plans. ..."

Reference: www.bloomberg.com


Bill would eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits: ‘You Earned It, You Keep It’

Title: Bill would eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits: ‘You Earned It, You Keep It’

Article Snip: "... Minnesota Democrat is pushing Congress to eliminate federal taxes on Social Security. U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minnesota, recently introduced the “You Earned It, You Keep It Act” to repeal federal taxes on Social Security benefits for retirees across the country. ..."

Reference: www.al.com
You Earned It, You Keep It Act


No Pay Raise for Federal/Postal Retirees but Biden plans 4.6 percent average pay raise for federal employees in 2023

Title: No Pay Raise for Federal/Postal Retirees but Biden plans 4.6 percent average pay raise for federal employees in 2023

Article Snip: "...For civilian federal employees covered by the General Schedule and some other pay systems, Biden said there would be a 4.1 percent across-the-board base pay increase..."

Reference: thehill.com


Monday, August 29, 2022

States Where Your Retirement Will Cost Less Than $45,000 a Year

Title: States Where Your Retirement Will Cost Less Than $45,000 a Year

Article Snip: "...To help you choose the perfect place to retire, GOBankingRates used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the top 10 states where you can live out your golden years for less than $45,000 annually The study analyzed factors like groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare and the overall cost-of-living index in each state, all of which contribute heavily to your yearly expenses in retirement. These indices were then multiplied by the average annual expenditures of Americans aged 65 and older, which provided the final ranking of the top 10 states. ..."

Reference: yahoo.com
Best States to Retire


Thursday, August 18, 2022

Early retiree’s net worth is down over $200,000 since 2021, but he’s not going back to work: ‘That is the worst-case scenario’

Title: Early retiree’s net worth is down over $200,000 since 2021, but he’s not going back to work: ‘That is the worst-case scenario’

Article Snip: "...Adcock hasn’t even considered the possibility of returning to full-time work, or even picking up a side hustle. “Absolutely, positively not. That’s never entered my head even a little bit,” says Adcock, who previously worked in information technology for 14 years. “That is the worst-case scenario.”..."

Reference: www.cnbc.com


St. Mary's County Navy retiree wins $100,000 scratch-off prize

Title: St. Mary's County Navy retiree wins $100,000 scratch-off prize

Article Snip: "...BALTIMORE, Md. (August 17, 2022)—He enjoys playing Maryland Lottery scratch-offs that offer prizes totaling six digits or more, so when the retired U.S. Navy man claimed a prize Aug. 9 at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, it was for a substantial sum: $100,000! The loyal player sets money aside for recreation, using only those funds to enjoy his Lottery hobby and sticking to a strict limit. ..."

Reference: somd.com
Old Devil Doc, Lottery in Retirement,


The Number Of Years $100,000 Will Add To Your Retirement Fund, Visualized

Title: The Number Of Years $100,000 Will Add To Your Retirement Fund, Visualized

Article Snip: "...Their model estimated spending at $50,595 per year, based on the average amount for persons between the ages of 65 and 74. They determined social security would cover nearly 39 percent of those yearly costs, leaving a retiree with around $2,559 worth for out-of-pocket expenses, which according to estimations could bump up by 2.2 percent each year...."

Reference: digg.com
Retirement Financial Planning, Retirement Savings,

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Gardening in Retirement Grows in Popularity

Pond-Images

Title: Gardening in Retirement Grows in Popularity

Article Snip: "...When people retire, especially from laborious jobs,they desire to wind down from working for someone else or a... Here is an example of a pond and garden being developed over time. In this example, a 41 year retiree from the federal government, says his pond area is simply an easy way to bring nature to your backyard while increasing aesthetic value. Join us for a 9 minute tour of a north Alabama backyard pond and garden. "

Reference: A Backyard Water Garden


Tuesday, July 12, 2022

What It Takes to Prepare for Retirement | Fresh insight into the saving and spending behaviors of retirees.

Title: What It Takes to Prepare for Retirement | Fresh insight into the saving and spending behaviors of retirees.

Article Snip: "...Deciding how much to save for retirement depends on the investor’s circumstances, the report says. This includes their income, the age at which they start saving and the lifestyle they have become accustomed to. For a 25-year-old making less than $90,000, the necessary annual savings rate ranges from 3% to 8%, depending on return assumptions and time horizons, while a 50-year-old man may need to save between 13% and 38% of gross income to achieve the same outcome. These figures demonstrate how early savers have a much better chance of achieving retirement success. ..."

Reference: www.planadviser.com


15 Cheap, Beautiful Places To Retire

Title: 15 Cheap, Beautiful Places To Retire

Article Snip: "Retirement should be about enjoying your life with minimal stress and spending some time in an environment you find pleasing. To do that on a budget though, you'll need to choose a retirement destination that's not only affordable but also features a hospitable climate. To assist you in your relocation plans, GOBankingRates looked at hundreds of U.S. cities to find the cheapest places to retire that feature favorable weather. More often than not, retirees will find the most affordable and sunniest retirement destinations in the southernmost state of the continental U.S. -- Florida. In fact, one third of the 15 U.S. cities on this list are in Florida. To rank in the study, each city had to meet the following requirements..."

Reference: yahoo.com
Beautiful Places To Retire


How is Social Security taxed?

Title: How is Social Security taxed?

Article Snip: "...If your total income is more than $25,000 for an individual or $32,000 for a married couple filing jointly, you must pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits. Below those thresholds, your benefits are not taxed. up to 50 percent of your benefits if your income is $25,000 to $34,000 for an individual or ..."

Reference: www.aarp.org
How is Social Security taxed?, Social Security vs Taxes,Taxes on Social Security,


Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Federal Employee Retirement Made Simple: 11 Key Areas for Financial Peace as a Retired Federal Employee Paperback

Title: Federal Employee Retirement Made Simple: 11 Key Areas for Financial Peace as a Retired Federal Employee Paperback

Article Snip: "...looking for direction on how to navigate through your federal retirement benefits? In this book, you will find out about the TSP Modernization Act of 2017 and how the changes will affect you. You will learn about your FEGLI options, Health Insurance options, and what to do with your TSP (while you are working and in retirement). One critical mistake can cost you thousands of dollars. If you are wanting a successful and happy retirement, with total peace of mind, then this book will strategically guide you along your retirement journey and answer some of those questions that you have. ..."

Reference:
federal retirement benefits help, books for federal retirees,


Sunday, June 26, 2022

Social Security Expansion Act (SSEA) | H.R.8005

Title: Social Security Expansion Act (SSEA) | H.R.8005

The SSEA would boost benefits for current and new Social Security beneficiaries by $200 per month, or $2,400 per year.

Article Snip: "U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced the Social Security Expansion Act (SSEA) in both houses of the U.S. Congress on June 9, 2022. This legislation seeks to keep Social Security solvent through 2096. But it goes beyond just keeping the program going. The SSEA would boost benefits for current and new Social Security beneficiaries by $200 per month, or $2,400 per year. Individuals wouldn’t have to wait until their full retirement age under the bill, either. Anyone who turns 62 would be eligible for the increase."

Reference: www.koamnewsnow.com
Social Security Expansion Act (SSEA) | H.R.8005


Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Americans BurningThrough Savings Due To Soaring Inflation, November Might Witness Worse

Title: Americans Changing Spending Habits Due To Soaring Inflation, November Might Witness Worse

Article Snip: "..."As bad as inflation seems now, Americans are likely to feel even more in the months ahead, as they burn through those accumulated savings," said the National Review. ...Seventy per cent of Americans are using their savings to cover rising prices, it said, citing a recent Forbes Advisor survey of 2,000 US adults"

Reference: www.india.com


Monday, May 23, 2022

Federal Employees’ Retirement System: Summary of Recent Trends

Title: Federal Employees’ Retirement System: Summary of Recent Trends

Article Snip: "...Workers who retired under FERS received an average monthly annuity of $1,834. Employees retiring under FERS had a shorter average length of service than those under CSRS. FERS annuities are supplemented by Social Security benefits and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). ..."

Reference: www.everycrsreport.com


Retiree warns others after losing $8,500 in check-washing theft

Title: Retiree warns others after losing $8,500 in check-washing theft

Article Snip: "...Retiree Cindy Redmond noticed something was wrong after she mailed two checks from her south Charlotte home. ...“(I) put the mail in the mailbox around (9 p.m.) and then went out for a walk about (10 p.m.) and saw the mailbox was open and empty,” Redmond said. “You get a gut feeling that’s not right. Our mailbox is never left open.” ...“It appears that the suspect was able to wash the check,” said Officer Johnathan Frisk..."

Reference: www.wsoctv.com


Man driving U-Haul with an outstanding warrant for postal theft, arrested after police chase

Title: Man driving U-Haul with an outstanding warrant for postal theft, arrested after police chase

Article Snip: "...The Caddo Mills Police Department reported that Harper, 31, of Southaven, Miss., was being held in the Rockwall County Jail as of Monday morning. The officer did a check of the truck’s registration and was alerted that it had been stolen out of Holland, Mich...Inside the stolen truck, police found marijuana as well as identification, bankcards and tax information belonging to other people. They also found...Harper also has an outstanding warrant for postal theft, according to police."

Reference: www.rockwallheraldbanner.com


Meet the Stone Mountain Hookers—a women’s fishing club

Title: Meet the Stone Mountain Hookers—a women’s fishing club

Article Snip: "...Betty Pompey, a Stone Mountain community leader who retired as an executive with the U.S. Postal Service, said she had some fishing experience while living in Savanah. “I showed up with large surf-fishing lures and a big, heavy-duty rod, prompting some laughter,” said Pompey. Now others in the club have rods, reels, line and hooks suitable for local lake fishing for the Bream, Bass, Crappie and Catfish. ..."

Reference: ocgnews.com


Sunday, May 8, 2022

What is one of the best things i can do to prepare for retirement?

Title: What is one of the best things i can do to prepare for retirement?

Article Snip: "Plan for your future with your my Social Security Account. Estimate your retirement benefits at different ages and dates. Your personal my Social Security account gives you secure access to information based on your earnings history and interactive tools tailored to you. With your my Social Security account, you can plan for your future by getting your personalized retirement benefit estimates at age 62, Full Retirement Age (FRA), and age 70. You can also view retirement benefit estimates by:
  • Choosing a future age to begin receiving retirement benefits in years and months or use the new 'Age' scroll bar
  • Choosing a future date to begin receiving retirement benefits
  • Entering the average annual income you expect to earn until retirement.
Your retirement estimates are provided in both written and chart form. Sign Up Here. It's easy an essential tool for planning a retiremnt.
"

Reference: www.ssa.gov
My Social Security Account,social security,

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Social Security Benefits: How to avoid mistakes and get full payments?

Title: Social Security Benefits: How to avoid mistakes and get full payments?

Article Snip: "Make sure you are not missing out due to a simple error..."

Reference: www.marca.com
Social Security


Monday, April 25, 2022

How long do you have to be married to someone to get their Social Security?

Title: How long do you have to be married to someone to get their Social Security? PDF

Article Snip: "...How long do you have to be married to someone to get their Social Security? If you're divorced, you can receive benefits based on your ex-spouse's work if: • Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer. You're unmarried. You're age 62 or older. The benefit you're entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefits you'd receive based on your spouse's work...."

Reference: www.ssa.gov
What Every Woman Should Know About Social Security


Wednesday, April 13, 2022

New postal reform law creates Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program for employees, postal retirees and others

Title: New postal reform law creates Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program for employees, postal retirees and others

Article Snip: "...USPS understands that employees have many questions, so here are a few things to know: • The law establishes the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program, which..."

Reference: NPMHU Local 317
postal reform law, Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB),Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHB),


Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Sunday, March 20, 2022

2023 Social Security COLA Estimated at 7.6% as CPI Keeps Rising

Title: 2023 Social Security COLA Estimated at 7.6% as CPI Keeps Rising

Article Snip: "...consumer price index release showing that prices over the past year through February have risen by 7.9% — the largest increase since since January 1982, and 0.8% from January to February, are just the beginning, as that number doesn’t include commodity price jumps due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the extraordinary jump in energy prices..."

Reference: www.thinkadvisor.com


Thursday, March 10, 2022

Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, H.R. 3076 Passes Senate

Title: Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, H.R. 3076 Passes Senate

Article Snip: "... aligns retiree healthcare with the best practices in the private sector that lower premiums for NPMHU members and our fellow postal employees as well as safeguarding benefits..."

Reference: NPMHU LOcal 317
Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, H.R. 3076, Postal News,


Friday, February 11, 2022

Inflation: The Destruction of the FERS Retiree

Article Title: Is 2022 the start of big time inflation?

Article Excerpt: "...Almost all current federal workers, plus a growing number of new retirees, are under the FERS program. There is a permanent battle between FERS (with its generous 5% employer match to the TSP and Social Security coverage) and CSRS retirees who start off with much higher annuities (which they help finance) than FERS retirees. The fly in the ointment for FERS employees is their diet-COLA system. Under it, FERS retirees get the same COLA as CSRS retirees UNTIL it exceeds 2%. So for example if a CSRS Social Security COLA is 6%, FERS retirees would get 5%. Imagine the impact on a FERS annuity over a period of extended inflation What if, as some experts project, we are entering a period of high inflation? One that lasts for years. It’s happened before. Some say it may already be happening again. ..."

Reference Source: federalnewsnetwork.com


Biden to propose 4.6 percent pay raise for federal employees, the biggest hike in 20 years

The forgotten aging population. If you have already served your purpose you are useless in the eyes of the Biden administration. Postal service, federal retirees and everyone on social security left out of Biden monetary increases as inflation takes a heavy toll and erodes what little they have to survive on.

Biden to propose 4.6 percent pay raise for federal employees, the biggest hike in 20 years


'...WASHINGTON — Federal employees and military service members would receive average raises of 4.6 percent next January under...'


Reference: www.msn.com
Tags: The forgotten many, Social Security, Destruction of the elderly, Creating more inflation,

Sunday, February 6, 2022

Why claiming Social Security online could be the easiest approach for retirees

Title: Why claiming Social Security online could be the easiest approach for retirees

Article Snip: "...recent data from the Center for Retirement Research shows many Americans are passing up the simplest approach to claiming Social Security benefits and are needlessly complicating their efforts. The data revealed that just about half of all retirees are filing for their benefits online, a number that has held steady since 2013...."

Reference: tulsaworld.com


Are Social Security Recipients Being Cheated Out of Nearly $5,000?

Title: Are Social Security Recipients Being Cheated Out of Nearly $5,000?

Article Snip: "...Social Security benefits are not keeping up with inflation. ...despite the massive COLA raise in 2022, retired workers will keep losing out due to the decline of purchasing power in today's red-hot high inflationary environment. “To put it in perspective, for every $100 worth of groceries a retiree could afford in 2000, they can only buy $68 worth today,” Mary Johnson, the Social Security policy analyst for The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), said in a statement..."

Reference: nationalinterest.org


Thursday, January 27, 2022

Baby Boomer Retirements Outpace Predictions

Title: Baby Boomer Retirements Outpace Predictions

Article Snip: "...Retirees are a significant fraction of the population, as U.S. population growth has slowed and Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 through 1964) are currently retiring. Finally, a significant number of people who had not planned to retire in 2020 may have retired anyway because of the dangers to their health or due to rising asset values that made retirement feasible. This essay provides a back-of-the-envelope estimate of the number of "COVID-19 retirements..."

Reference: stlouisfed.org


Saturday, January 22, 2022

Social Security offices, closed in the pandemic, are expected to reopen in March.

Title: Social Security offices, closed in the pandemic, are expected to reopen in March.

Article Snip: "...The national network of Social Security customer service offices, which were closed nearly two years ago at the start of the pandemic, is on track to reopen on ..."

Reference: www.nytimes.com


When Should a Federal Employee Apply for Social Security Benefits?

Title: When Should a Federal Employee Apply for Social Security Benefits?

Article Snip: "...wonder if they will reach their life expectancy. This group firmly believes that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Although 62 year olds are rarely called young..."

Reference: www.fedweek.com


Friday, January 14, 2022

No More Surprise Medical Bills: 5 Things To Know about the No Surprises Act Taking Effect

  No More Surprise Medical Bills: 5 Things To Know about the No Surprises Act Taking Effect in 2022

New Year. New Law. Beginning January 1, 2022, new federal protections will shield millions of consumers from surprise medical bills. Surprise medical bills – unexpected bills from an out-of-network provider, out-of-network facility or out-of-network air ambulance provider – is common among those with private insurance. Nearly one in five patients who go to the emergency room, have an elective surgery, or give birth in a hospital receive surprise bills, with average costs ranging from $750 to $2,600 per episode. Learn about how the No Surprises Act can protect you from surprise medical billing. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Reference: https://www.hhs.gov/

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Why is My 2022 COLA Less Than I Was Expecting?

Title: Why is My 2022 COLA Less Than I Was Expecting?

Article Snip: "...My FERS annuity with the 2022 COLA is increasing less than 4.9% in January. Why is that?..."

Reference: www.fedsmith.com


Sunday, January 9, 2022

You’re Retired and Like to Be Alone. Is It a Problem if You Self-Isolate?

Title: You’re Retired and Like to Be Alone. Is It a Problem if You Self-Isolate?

Article Snip: "...“Loners have gotten a bad rap,” said Katharine Esty, Ph.D., a retired psychotherapist in Concord, Mass. “There’s nothing bad about doing things alone. It only becomes unhealthy when people become lonely, which is different.” She describes loneliness as feeling subjectively unhappy with your relationships or lack thereof. Someone who embraces solitude—and keeps busy and stimulated by fulfilling activities—can spend most of their time alone but never experience the distress of loneliness. ..."

Reference: www.barrons.com


Running from Biden states...

Title: Everyone Is Moving to Florida. What That Means for Financial Advisors and Their Clients.

Article Snip: "...“Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota—you can name any market in Florida, and it’s one wealth managers want to be in,” says Thomas Carroll, president of the firm that manages more than $9 billion and is among . In..."

Reference: www.barrons.com


Your ex-spouse could inherit your money. How to avoid this and other estate-planning mistakes

Title: Your ex-spouse could inherit your money. How to avoid this and other estate-planning mistakes

Article Snip: "...there are ways your ex could inadvertently inherit your money if you’re not careful. ..."

Reference: www.cnbc.com