Social Security COLA 2026: How Much Will Payments Increase Next Year?

Title: Social Security COLA 2026: How Much Will Payments Increase Next Year?

Article Snip: "A key gauge for inflation — the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (known as the CPI-W) — rose by 2.5 percent in July, compared with one year ago, according to Aug. 12 data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ...A CPI-W of 2.5 percent for July suggests that Social Security recipients may see a modest bump in their Social Security payments starting in January 2026. “We’re likely to see a relatively historically normal COLA, maybe in the range of..."

Reference: www.aarp.org
Projections for 2026 COLA, July 2025 CPI,Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W),

---

---

What’s the average Social Security payment for August 2025? Plus: Changes for 2026

Title: What’s the average Social Security payment for August 2025? Plus: Changes for 2026

Article Snip: "...As of August 2025, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is $1,953.96, or about $23,450 per year, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). But your actual payout can be higher or lower depending on when you claim and how much you earned.

Here’s a breakdown of average Social Security benefits by age and gender..."

Reference: www.aol.com
Average Social Security Payment for August 2025

---

---

How Much Is Joe Biden’s Monthly Social Security Check?

Title: How Much Is Joe Biden’s Monthly Social Security Check?

Article Snip: "... Joe Biden has released his annual tax returns since 1998. His 2024 return is not released yet, but his 2023 joint federal tax return, with his wife Dr. Jill Biden, states that he received $42,842 in Social Security income. That works out to approximately $3,570 per month.

His wife received $21,412 in Social Security for the year of 2023. That works out to about $1,784 per month. The fact that this amount is almost exactly half of Joe Biden’s suggests that she is likely drawing spousal benefits since those are capped at 50%, according to the Social Security Administration. ..."

Reference: www.aol.com

---

---

Four Tax Changes Those Over 65 and Retirees Should Watch in 2025

Title: Four Tax Changes Those Over 65 and Retirees Should Watch in 2025

Article Snip: "...This year brings key tax changes that could affect your retirement taxes and income. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Retirement taxes and income

---

---

CHAMPVA | Affordable dental insurance for CHAMPVA beneficiaries

Title: Affordable dental insurance for CHAMPVA beneficiaries

Article Snip: "Covered dental care for qualified spouses & children...CHAMPVA doesn’t cover dental care costs unless that care is part of a treatment plan for a covered non-dental medical condition. VADIP helps fill that gap by offering CHAMPVA beneficiaries discounted private dental insurance. ..."

Reference: va.gov
CHAMPVA, Dental Insurance, VADIP,

---

---

How to Break Free From the 'One More Year' Trap and Actually Retire

Title: How to Break Free From the 'One More Year' Trap and Actually Retire

Article Snip: "Despite having more than enough money to retire, some people simply cannot leave their jobs. ...Maybe you’ve saved plenty of money for a happy retirement. But, for any number of reasons — sense of identity, purpose, or social connection — you just can’t say goodbye to the office. For some, work can offer structure and status that retirement might not replace. For others, it’s about staying mentally sharp, avoiding boredom, or having a deep attachment to the job. Financial security doesn’t always address these emotional or psychological needs.

According to the Pew Research Center, while 66.9% of people aged 65 to 74 have left the workforce, only 17.1% of people aged 55 to 64 are retired. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com

---

---

Health Watch | These special traits may shield ‘SuperAgers’ from dementia — how they could lead to new Alzheimer’s tools

Title: These special traits may shield ‘SuperAgers’ from dementia — how they could lead to new Alzheimer’s tools

Article Snip: "...Life expectancy in the US hovers around 78.4 years — there’s a special group of people who surpass this mark with flying colors. The retirees, known as “SuperAgers,” exhibit the memory and cognitive abilities of people in middle age.

A new report out of Northwestern University reveals unique traits of SuperAger brains that appear to shield them from dementia. ..."

Reference: nypost.com
Health Watch, SuperAgers, Dementia,Alzheimer's,

---

---

CEO warns America faces generational workforce crisis as boomers reach retirement

Title: CEO warns America faces generational workforce crisis as boomers reach retirement

Article Snip: "CEO advises skipping college for skilled trades as workforce ages out ...U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that the U.S. population is older today than it’s ever been, and the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050. ..."

Reference: www.foxbusiness.com

---

---

Health Watch | Five Super Foods for Your Heart | Every heart-healthy diet should include these foods

Title: Five Super Foods for Your Heart | Every heart-healthy diet should include these foods

Article Snip: "...Blueberries
This "powerhouse" tops the list, says Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LD, WebMD's director of nutrition.

And Lisa Hark, PhD, RD, says, "Blueberries are not only delicious but are also rich in antioxidants. ..."

Reference: www.webmd.com
Heart Health, Foods That May Offer Health Benefits, Blueberries, Antioxidants,

---

---

US plans to test Medicare, Medicaid coverage for weight-loss drugs, Washington Post reports

Title: US plans to test Medicare, Medicaid coverage for weight-loss drugs, Washington Post reports

Article Snip: "...The Trump administration is considering a five-year pilot program to cover weight-loss drugs under Medicare and Medicaid, the Washington Post reported on Friday, citing documents from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The documents outline plans that would allow the government insurance programs to cover Novo Nordisk's ..."

Reference: www.reuters.com
Medicare Coverage for weight-loss drugs, Medicaid Coverage of weight-loss drugs,weight-loss drugs,five-year pilot program for coverage of weight-loss drugs (Medicare and Medicaid), Trump Actions,

---

---

Retirees Being Destroyed | Social Security's 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Is Shaping Up to Be a Lose-Lose Scenario for Retirees

Title: Social Security's 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Is Shaping Up to Be a Lose-Lose Scenario for Retirees

Article Snip: "For most retired Americans, Social Security is more than just a monthly check. It represents a financial foundation that helps them make ends meet. ...CPI-W, shelter and medical care services inflation respectively hit 3.8% and 3.4% on a trailing-12-month basis, ended June 2025. As long as the prevailing rate of inflation for these two critical spending categories remains higher than the COLA beneficiaries receive, the purchasing power of a Social Security dollar seems destined to decline.

But this is just one of two ways retirees appear set to lose in 2026.

In addition to key expense categories rising at a brisk pace, the Medicare Part B premium is projected to soar ...

"

Reference: www.fool.com

---

---

Millions of Medicare beneficiaries are facing a rude awakening

Title: Millions of Medicare beneficiaries are facing a rude awakening

Article Snip: "...For the first time in the program’s history, CMS rejected some standalone Part D plan bids, citing “unacceptable, significant increases in cost sharing or reductions in benefits.” The agency also extended its emergency Premium Stabilization Demonstration, which caps how much monthly premiums can rise, though the cap will increase to $50 in 2026 from $35 in 2025. ..."

Reference: www.thestreet.com
Medicare, Part D,

---

---

I’m a Retirement Planner: 5 Best Money Tips for Supplementing Social Security

Title: I’m a Retirement Planner: 5 Best Money Tips for Supplementing Social Security

Article Snip: "...Retiring comfortably often means getting creative with your income sources. If you’re counting on Social Security, for many retirees that alone is not enough income to live on.

But how does one go about supplementing Social Security? ..."

Reference: www.gobankingrates.com
Supplementing Social Security, Social Security,

---

---

Where do older folks meet other people?

Title: Where do older folks meet other people?

Article Snip: "...A Reddit discussion on where older people meet others..."

Reference: www.reddit.com
Where do older folks meet other people?, Motorcycling, Church, Senior singles, Senior Centers, Online Senior Dating/Meeting, Bars, YMCA, Gym, College, Botanical Gardens, Dancing, Sports, Friends, Family, Museums, Hobbies, Shooting Ranges, Smiling, Craft Stores, eHarmony, Match.com, SilverSingles, OurTime, Cook Me Biscuits and Gravy, Make eye contact, Loyalty, Honesty, Art Workshops, Doing What You Like To Do, Enjoy Being Single, Volunteer, Bingo, Make the First Move,

---

---

Prenups and Retirement Planning: Saying "I Do" In Later Life

Title: Prenups and Retirement Planning: Saying "I Do" In Later Life

Article Snip: "...Prenups aren't a traditional part of retirement planning, but for the growing number of over-65s getting remarried, they're an essential financial tool. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Prenups and Retirement Planning

---

---

Tariff Stimulus Checks Coming? New Proposal Seeks Tax Rebates for U.S. Workers

Title: Tariff Stimulus Checks Coming? New Proposal Seeks Tax Rebates for U.S. Workers

Article Snip: "...A new GOP bill proposes to send $600 in tariff rebate checks to eligible taxpayers. Is there a catch?...(tax rebates), funded through revenue collected from President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported goods.

That is the promise behind the American Worker Rebate Act, introduced in 2025 by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and seemingly backed by Trump. ...Trump has also chimed in, saying, "

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Tariff Rebate Checks PROPOSAL, American Worker Rebate Act, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.),

---

---

UnitedHealth dropping some Medicare Advantage plans, impacting 600K

Title: UnitedHealth dropping some Medicare Advantage plans, impacting 600K

Article Snip: "...the decision to exit certain Medicare Advantage plans during a second-quarter earnings call Tuesday, noting it would primarily affect members in “less managed products such as PPO offerings.”

Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance plans approved by Medicare that provide an alternative way for people to receive their Medicare benefits. In 2024, more than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries, about 32.8 million people, were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. ...Insurers have seen a rise in expensive emergency room visits, and UnitedHealth leaders said that doctors are billing for more tests and services during those visits than they anticipated.

Insurance companies are also dealing with growing prescription drug costs, especially from expensive treatments for cancer and obesity, as well as gene therapy, The Associated Press noted."

Reference: www.newsnationnow.com
Medicare Advantage, UnitedHealth,

---

---

Social Security Administration backtracks on decision to end paper checks, reports say

Title: Social Security Administration backtracks on decision to end paper checks, reports say

Article Snip: "...The Social Security Administration will continue to send some paper checks to beneficiaries of the retirement program, reversing its recently announced plan to move all social security payments to electronic deposits beginning in the fall, according to media reports and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

... SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano agreed to continue to issuing paper checks for those who are unable to receive payments otherwise. ..."

Reference: www.yahoo.com
Social Security Administration to Continue Paper Checks,

---

---

Health | Ozzy Osbourne's rare form of Parkinson's sparks questions about lifestyle factors

Title: Ozzy Osbourne's rare form of Parkinson's sparks questions about lifestyle factors

Article Snip: "Combination of genetic variant and environmental factors may have contributed to disease progression, expert says...He and wife Sharon Osbourne revealed the rock star’s diagnosis of PRKN-2, a genetic condition typically defined as early-onset Parkinson’s disease that evolves more slowly. ..."

Reference: www.foxnews.com
PRKN-2 , Early-onset Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson's Disease,

---

---

UnitedHealth says it is cooperating with DOJ investigation into Medicare billing practices

Title: UnitedHealth says it is cooperating with DOJ investigation into Medicare billing practices

Article Snip: "...UnitedHealth Group revealed it is facing a Justice Department criminal and civil investigation over its Medicare billing practices, adding to a string of setbacks for a company that owns America’s largest and most powerful private insurer. ...DOJ interviewed several doctors about UnitedHealth’s practices and whether they felt pressured to submit claims for certain conditions that bolstered payments from the Medicare Advantage program to the company. ..."

Reference: www.cnbc.com
Justice Department criminal and civil investigation (UnitedHealth Group),UnitedHealth,Medicare, Medicare billing Practices,

---

---

Why More Seniors Are Seeking Therapy in Secret

Title: Why More Seniors Are Seeking Therapy in Secret

Article Snip: "...Older adults face unique life transitions that younger generations rarely consider. The move from a structured work life to retirement, the loss of social circles, and the decline of physical health can all take a significant toll on mental health.

However, admitting the need for therapy can be difficult for seniors due to deeply ingrained beliefs about self-reliance. ...One of the leading reasons seniors turn to therapy is loneliness. According to studies, social isolation among older adults has reached alarming levels ..."

Reference: www.savingadvice.com

---

---

Social Security 2026 COLA estimated at 2.7%, but much of it will go to Medicare Part B

Title: Social Security 2026 COLA estimated at 2.7%, but much of it will go to Medicare Part B

Article Snip: "...A cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is meant to help Americans keep up with inflation so they can maintain their standard of living year to year. But the hikes are falling short, especially when Medicare premiums, alone, are rising at a faster clip, seniors say. That happened in 2025 and is set to do so again next year. ...Medicare Part B costs are rising several times faster than its average rate of increase in recent years. ..."

Reference: www.usatoday.com
Uncle Sam Will Get His COLA Increase at the Expense of Your COLA (2026), Destruction of Retirees,Projections for 2026 COLA,Medicare Part B premiums,2026,

---

---

Social Security Watch | What is the average monthly benefit for a retired worker? (Jan. 2025)

Title: Social Security Watch | What is the average monthly benefit for a retired worker? (Jan. 2025)

Article Snip: "...The estimated average amount changes monthly. For example, the estimated average monthly Social Security retirement benefit for January 2025 is $1,976. ..."

Reference: www.ssa.gov
Social Security Watch, Social Security Average Monthly Benefit for Retired Worker (Jan. 2025),

---

---

USPS® In-Person Identity Proofing (When identity cannot be verified online for access to USPS services or services provided by participating federal agencies)

Article Title: USPS® In-Person Identity Proofing
Snippet of Article: "...USPS® offers "In-Person Proofing" (IPP) for individuals registering to obtain access to USPS services or services provided by participating federal agencies. IPP allows registrants to securely verify their identities in-person when their identity cannot be verified online. ..."

Source: usps.com

[tag] USPS® In-Person Identity Proofing (When identity cannot be verified online for access to USPS services or services provided by participating federal agencies), [/tag]

---

---

American Cruise Lines | Patriot Class Coastal Ships

Title: American Cruise Lines | Patriot Class Coastal Ships

Article Snip: "...American Cruise Lines is pleased to unveil our new Patriot Class of ships, launching in 2025 and 2026. While adhering to the same high standards as the rest of our fleet, this new class will have some remarkable features designed to further elevate your cruising experience. Built with a traditional bow shape and deeper draft, the new ships will have enhanced coastwise capabilities for journeys along the Eastern Seaboard, promising a comfortable cruising experience even in varying sea conditions.

Accommodating just 130 guests, across 69 staterooms and 5 decks, the Patriot Class ensures an exclusive and personalized journey. Like our other ships, this setting fosters a sense of community and connection among guests and allows our crew to provide the highest level of service. Each ship will showcase elegant interior design and spacious 100% private balcony accommodations, including a range of large standard staterooms, suites, and singles. The 4th deck will offer suite accommodations ranging from 420 to 620 square feet, extraordinary for ships of this size.

Guests can look forward to a variety of distinctive lounges, including an expansive Chesapeake Lounge for evening entertainment on the first deck and the Horizon Lounge located on the bow of the third deck, the perfect place to start your day with a cup coffee. But the most stunning new feature of the Patriot Class ships will be the reimagined Sky Lounge. The entire deckhouse on the fifth deck of the ship will be dedicated to the new lounge space, providing unprecedented panoramas from every seat. The top deck also includes a Sky Walk track that wraps around the perimeter of the ship providing stunning 360° views, comfortable lounge chairs that invite relaxation, and a casual café for a delightful al fresco dining option.

Experience the Patriot Class for yourself on our exciting itineraries from New England to the Florida Gulf Coast. ..."

Reference: www.americancruiselines.com

---

---

Who pays in what order if I have Medicare "Part A" and "Part B" and "Part G" and "FEP Blue Focus"

Title: Who pays in what order if I have Medicare "Part A" and "Part B" and "Part G" and "FEP Blue Focus"

An AI Overview: "...In your situation, where you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), a Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G), and FEP Blue Focus (Federal Employee Program), the coordination of benefits would typically work as follows:

Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare): Medicare, specifically Parts A and B, is typically considered your primary coverage when you are retired. This means that when you receive covered healthcare services, your doctor will first submit the claim to Medicare. Medicare will then pay its approved amount for the service.
Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G): After Medicare pays its share, Medigap Plan G will step in as the secondary payer. Medigap plans are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare, such as coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. Plan G is a popular Medigap plan that covers everything that Medicare Part A and B cover at 100%, except for the Part B deductible.
FEP Blue Focus: FEP Blue Focus would typically be the tertiary payer, meaning it pays third after Medicare and your Medigap Plan G have paid their portions. FEP Blue Focus coordinates with Medicare and can offer additional benefits not covered by Medicare alone.

Simplified Order of Payment:

Medicare Part A and Part B
Medicare Supplement Plan G
FEP Blue Focus
Important Considerations:

Active vs. Retired: The primary payer might differ depending on whether you are an active federal employee or retired. If you are still working, FEP is typically your primary coverage, but when you retire, Medicare generally becomes primary.
Show both ID cards: Always present both your Medicare and FEP member ID cards to your healthcare provider to ensure that your claims are processed correctly.

By coordinating benefits between Medicare, your Medigap Plan G, and FEP Blue Focus, you can maximize your coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket costs. ..."

Reference: The Federal Retirement News and Reference Source
Coordinating benefits between 1) Medicare 2) Medigap Plan G and 3) FEP Blue Focus,

---

---

House passes Big Beautiful Bill Act, sending it to Trump after bruising struggle

Title: House passes Big Beautiful Bill Act, sending it to Trump after bruising struggle

Article Snip: "The GOP-led House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act... House Speaker Mike Johnson griped that he was “not happy with what the Senate did to our product.” ..."

Reference: nypost.com
The GOP-led House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,Trump Wins,Trump Agenda,

---

---

$6,000 bonus deduction for older adults among key provisions ($2,000 for a single filer, $1,600 per qualifying spouse in a couple)

'...Americans ages 65 and older can claim an extra standard deduction ($2,000 for a single filer, $1,600 per qualifying spouse in a couple) on top of the standard deduction available to all taxpayers who don’t itemize. The reconciliation bill adds a 65-plus bonus deduction of $6,000, through the 2028 tax year. Join AARP’s Fight to Protect Older Americans. Unlike the standard deduction, older taxpayers can take this bonus deduction whether they itemize or not. ...'

Reference: www.aarp.org
Tags: $6000 bonus deduction for older adults among key provisions ($2000 for a single filer $1600 per qualifying spouse in a couple)

---

---

Does the Big, Beautiful Bill End Taxes on Social Security? NO! It Provides a Heavily Reduced Solution

Note From The Federal Retirement News:
Firstly, we feel Mr. Trump and his administration is doing a great job. However, he, his administration, as well as conservative-leaning media is manipulating and in some cases outright lying, stating that The Big, Beautiful Bill 'ends taxes on Social Security' which it absolutely does not. It offers an increase in the Standard Deduction that will help seniors, yet is also only temporary. With that being said, it only goes to prove, you cannot trust everything you read or hear from ANY side of politics. You, as an individual must take the time to research ALL THINGS. Additionally, do not just regurgitate what you hear or read. If you do, you will only make a fool of yourself to those that do educate themselves appropriately. Don't be sheep!

Title: Does the Big, Beautiful Bill End Taxes on Social Security? NO! It Provides a Heavily Reduced Solution

Article Snip: "...AI Overview

No, the "Big, Beautiful Bill" does not eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits entirely, but it does include a temporary $4,000 increase to the standard deduction for those 65 and older. While this deduction may help offset some taxes on Social Security for some individuals, it falls short of President Trump's campaign promise to eliminate all taxes on Social Security benefits.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Trump's Promise:
During the 2024 election, President Trump pledged to eliminate all income taxes on Social Security benefits.

The Bill's Provision:
The "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1) includes a temporary $4,000 increase to the standard deduction for those 65 and older. Impact of the Deduction:
This deduction would be in effect from 2025 to 2028 and could help reduce the tax burden on Social Security income for some, but it doesn't eliminate it completely.
Cost of Elimination:
Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits entirely would be significantly more costly than the proposed $4,000 deduction. Other Provisions:
The bill also includes provisions to make expiring tax cuts permanent, potentially impacting the overall tax burden for some seniors.
..."

Reference: AI Overview From Google Search via federalretirementnews.blogspot.com
Does the Big Beautiful Bill End Taxes on Social Security? NO! It Provides a Heavily Reduced Solution,

---

---

Medicare Premiums 2026: Projected IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D

Title: Medicare Premiums 2026: Projected IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D

Article Snip: "...Will you have to pay the monthly Medicare premium surcharge next year? It depends. ...The IRMAA applies to all Medicare beneficiaries whose earnings are high enough to make them eligible, even those on Medicare Advantage. Additionally, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage, the Part D IRMAA also applies. The IRMAA is calculated on a sliding scale with five income brackets, topping out at $500,000 and $750,000 for individual and joint filing, respectively. These figures change annually with inflation. IRMAA calculations have a two-year lag time. Whether you pay an IRMAA in a given year depends on your tax returns from two years ago."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Medicare Premiums 2026: Projected IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D

---

---

FERS Retirees Receiving the Special Retirement Supplement Annuity Must Report 2024 Earnings

Title: FERS Retirees Receiving the Special Retirement Supplement Annuity Must Report 2024 Earnings

Article Snip: "...Social Security is one of the three components of the FERS retirement. When a FERS employee retires before age 62 under the immediate retirement rules, the FERS employee will receive the first of lifetime FERS monthly annuity checks one or two months after the day the employee retires. The following table summarizes the several types of immediate retirement. ..."

Reference: stwserve.com
FERS special retirement supplement (SRS),

---

---

Co-signing for a mortgage: The process, risks, and alternatives

Title: Co-signing for a mortgage: The process, risks, and alternatives

Article Snip: "...A loan co-signer is someone who guarantees the debt of a primary borrower. The co-signer effectively takes responsibility for paying the home loan if the primary borrower doesn’t make payments or defaults.

However, being a co-signer does not mean gaining partial ownership of the property. This person is taking on all of the financial responsibility of the loan without receiving any rights to the home. ..."

Reference:
Co-signing for a mortgage

---

---

Nationwide finds Medicare myth on long-term care could cost Americans dearly

Title: Nationwide finds Medicare myth on long-term care could cost Americans dearly

Article Snip: "...Based on its 2025 Nationwide Retirement Institute Long-Term Care survey, the insurance giant found 58% of adults believe Medicare will cover long-term care costs, despite the program offering only limited, short-term assistance. ...At-home care is a preferred option for many: 77% of respondents said they would rather age in place. But that may be easier said than done. More than four in 10 believe their current home is unsafe or inaccessible for older age, and nearly half say making the necessary retrofits to their residence would be unaffordable."

Reference: www.investmentnews.com

---

---

Trump’s New Tax Plan Could Cut Key Deductions for Seniors on Social Security

Title: Trump’s New Tax Plan Could Cut Key Deductions for Seniors on Social Security

Article Snip: "...For seniors who depend primarily on Social Security and limited retirement savings, this change could result in a higher effective tax burden, despite broader cuts elsewhere in the bill.

Key points include:

Low-income seniors could lose tax relief if the elimination of the extra deduction isn’t offset elsewhere.
Social Security benefits are taxable above certain income thresholds, meaning more income may now be exposed to taxation.
Seniors with modest part-time work, annuities, or pensions may see a noticeable increase in tax liability.

..."

Reference: www.fingerlakes1.com
Attacks on Retirees, Deduction Cuts on Social Security,Destruction of Retirees,

---

---

Senate strips most retirement cuts from reconciliation, but anti-civil service provisions remain

Title: Senate strips most retirement cuts from reconciliation, but anti-civil service provisions remain

Article Snip: "...Under language released by a Senate panel Thursday night, new federal workers who decline to serve as at-will employees will pay nearly 15% of their paycheck toward their pension benefit. ..."

Reference: www.govexec.com

---

---

By Promoting Amnesty For Illegal Workers, Trump Is Selling Out ‘America First’ For Cheap Labor

Title: By Promoting Amnesty For Illegal Workers, Trump Is Selling Out ‘America First’ For Cheap Labor

Article Snip: "Americans voted for Trump on the promise of mass deportations. He should keep his promise — all of it. ...it wasn’t just a slogan on signs — it was a rallying cry that galvanized millions of voters. The promise was the restoration of American sovereignty through the removal of all illegal aliens — not just the violent ones. ...sovereignty doesn’t yield to staffing shortages. American immigration policy should never be dictated by the labor needs of employers, especially not in industries built around a permanent, low-wage migrant workforce. And while there may be a legitimate case for limited, legal, seasonal migration in agriculture, allowing a worker shortage to become the justification for lawbreaking and mass amnesty reduces citizenship or legal status to a commodity and the nation to marketplace. As The Federalist’s John Daniel Davidson pointed out in a post on X, “This is amnesty."

Reference: thefederalist.com
sovereignty is nonnegotiable, Amnesty for Illegals (The Real Trump Agenda), Trump Scams His Base and It Will Destroy The Republican Party,Trump Lies, Trump is Just a Shady Car Salesman,

---

---

Trump Screws Americans, Deciding to Protect Corporations and Illegals | Car Salesman Bait and Switch

Trump Screws Americans, Deciding to Protect Corporations and Illegals | Car Salesman Bait and Switch

Title: Trump's Biat and Switch

So Trump campaigned on two big promises. One was illegal immigration and the other was exempting seniors from paying taxes on Social Security pensions. He already broke his promise to seniors who voted for the greatly needed 'no taxes on Social Security' with lame excuses. Now, he is renegeing on his number one promise to deport illegals that entered the country illegally, originally calling them criminals. Now he is going to reward corporates farms, the hospitality industry, chicken processors, construction companies and more. He is rewarding these corporations, companies, and businesses who illegally hired these illegals by allowing them to retain the illegal criminals who stole jobs from American citizens, and promising to make the illegal criminals citizens. He is proving to be nothing but exactly what the Democrats are. He is proving to be nothing but a shyster car salesman pulling a bait and switch on those that voted for him. Our guess is that his businesses have also employed illegals and is helping himslf as well. He is also insulting all of law enforcement, the National guard and military that have supported him through the violent riots, as well as being doxed by simply supporting the eradication of these illegals. This is just disgusting to be duped by Trump and the Republicans that permit this. At least he has convinced citizens that have worked hard and followed the law, that crime does pay. Thanks for embarrassing and making fools of us all that are trying to raise our children to be good people and follow the law you sorry POS!. It's a whole lot more difficult to follow the law than to be a criminal. Thanks for setting the example for a changed America. Thanks for bankrupting senors in retirement and abandoning veterans and all America loving citizens. NOTE: If the media reporting of Trump's change is false, we retract our comments. However, due to the fact he lied on his Social Security Tax promise, we feel the turn-around is probably true.

Reference: The Federal Retirement News
Trump Lies, Broken Promises,Destruction of Retirees, Trump's Bait and Switch, Crime Does Pay, Trump is an enemy of the citizen and a corporate butt-kisser,

---

---

Latest CPI and 2026 COLA Projection for Federal Retirees (and Those Soon to be Retired)

Title: Latest CPI and 2026 COLA Projection for Federal Retirees (and Those Soon to be Retired)

Article Snip: "...he latest data for the 2026 COLA has been released. Here are the projections for 2026 COLAs for Social Security and the federal retirement annuity. ..."

Reference: www.fedsmith.com
Projections for 2026 COLA

---

---

Health | Experts reveal hidden ways sugar accelerates aging beyond just weight gain

Title: Experts reveal hidden ways sugar accelerates aging beyond just weight gain

Article Snip: "..."Our physiology simply wasn't designed to handle such a continuous influx of refined sugar, and it's straining our systems in ways that accelerate the aging process," Tawfik said. ..."

Reference: www.foxnews.com
Health, Sugar,

---

---

Free Health Care in Minnesota ...If You Are an Illegal, Says Democrats

Title: Minnesota Democrats Vow to ‘Fight Until the Very End’ for Free Health Care for Illegal Aliens

Article Snip: "...The debate about the massive cost overruns in Minnesota’s free health care for illegal aliens program is facing looming cuts even as Democrats vow to “fight until the very end” for the freebies paid for by taxpayers. ..."

Reference: www.breitbart.com

---

---

Inflation eased to 4-year low in April as Trump's tariffs took effect, CPI report shows

Title: Inflation eased to 4-year low in April as Trump's tariffs took effect, CPI report shows

Article Snip: "...That’s the lowest annual increase since February 2021 but still leaves inflation moderately above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. ..."

Reference: www.usatoday.com
Federal Reserve’s 2% goal vs. Trump CPI Cooling Results,

---

---

New Jersey | Agitators clash with police, arrests made as clergy members descend on Newark ICE facility

Title: Agitators clash with police, arrests made as clergy members descend on Newark ICE facility

Article Snip: "...Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said the two individuals who were arrested face obstruction and resisting arrest charges. One officer suffered a minor laceration to the arm during the incident, though he will remain on duty. No other injuries were reported. ..."

Reference: www.foxnews.com
Obstruction and resisting arrest charges,New Jersey,Newark ICE facility,

---

---

False Promises | Idea to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits is not included in this proposal

Title: Trump’s tax plan: The latest on the ‘big, beautiful’ tax bill, and what to expect for your taxes in 2025 and beyond

Article Snip: "...While a separate idea to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits — something oft-cited by President Donald Trump as a goal — is not included in this proposal..."

Reference: www.bankrate.com/
Big, Beautiful’ Tax Bill, False Promises | Idea to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits is not included in the Trump Big Beautiful Tax Bill

---

---

COLA would continue to increase, although they project lower growth for 2026

Title: COLA would continue to increase, although they project lower growth for 2026

Article Snip: "...Social Security beneficiaries can anticipate annual increases in their monthly payments due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). ..."

Reference: www.explica.me
COLA 2026 (Social Security),

---

---

Springfield USPS worker, who is blind, retires after more than 40 years of service

Title: Springfield USPS worker, who is blind, retires after more than 40 years of service

Article Snip: "...Donning a sash and a smile, Frank Facio celebrated his last day as an employee of the U.S. Postal Service ahead of his retirement April 30. With a postal service career spanning more than 40 years, he was forced to adjust his work and lifestyle when he began to lose his eyesight in his twenties.

As one of only a few blind employees at the USPS, Facio had to forge his own path, switching between various roles through the years. ..."

Reference: www.news-leader.com
Frank Facio, USPS, Retirement,

---

---

Possible Benefits of Cannabis for People with Cancer

Title: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/complementary-and-integrative-medicine/marijuana-and-cancer/benefits-of-cannabis.html

Article Snip: "...People who have certain symptoms of cancer or side effects of cancer treatment might benefit from using cannabis. Relieving or reducing symptoms and side effects can lead to overall better quality of life for people with cancer and their caregivers. Managing symptoms and side effects well can also reduce the number of emergency room visits and hospital readmissions for things like dehydration due to nausea and vomiting, or uncontrolled severe pain.

Keep in mind that cannabis products can also have harmful effects. ..."

Reference:
Possible Benefits of Cannabis for People with Cancer

---

---

Cannabis Use Disorder | Colon cancer patients are 24 times more likely to die within 5 years if they had this habit before their diagnosis

Title: Cannabis Use Disorder | Colon cancer patients are 24 times more likely to die within 5 years if they had this habit before their diagnosis

Article Snip: "...Here’s the bottom line — nearly 53,000 Americans are projected to die from colorectal cancer this year.

The overall five-year survival rate for the disease is around 65%. Several factors significantly influence prognosis, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, its location within the colon and the effectiveness of treatment.

A new study suggests that a popular habit may negatively affect colon cancer outcomes, significantly increasing the risk of death within five years of diagnosis. ...Furthermore, those diagnosed with marijuana addiction before they were stricken with colon cancer were 24.4 times more likely to die within five years of diagnosis compared to their peers, Cuomo determine ...

The findings were published online this month in the Annals of Epidemiology.

“This isn’t about vilifying cannabis. It’s about understanding the full range of its impacts, especially for people facing serious illnesses,” Cuomo said."

Some studies suggest that cannabis may help cancer patients manage their symptoms and potentially even reduce tumor growth.

Reference: nypost.com
Cannabis Addiction, Colon cancer,

---

---

Will COLA for Social Security Be Higher in 2026 Due to Tariff Policies?

Title: President Donald Trump's Tariff Policy Likely Comes With Unintended Consequences for Social Security's 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

Article Snip: "...Since the CPI-W is an inflation-based index, Trump's tariff policies might increase Social Security's 2026 cost-of-living adjustment. ...only the CPI-W readings from the third quarter (July through September) are used to calculate Social Security's COLA. If the average CPI-W reading in the third quarter is higher than during the comparable period of the previous year, inflation has occurred and beneficiaries are due a raise for the upcoming year."

Reference: www.fool.com
CPI-W, 2026 Social Security COLA, Tariff policies vs. COLA,

---

---

USPS Webinar | ‘PSHB and Medicare in Retirement’ April 14, 2025

Title: USPS Webinar | ‘PSHB and Medicare in Retirement’ April 14, 2025

Article Snip: "...USPS employees may participate in a webinar that will help explain how the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program and Medicare work in retirement.

The session, “PSHB and Medicare in Retirement,” will be held Monday, April 14, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.

Representatives from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the webinar.

Participants must register on the webinar website.

Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.

Employees who have questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team. ..."

Reference: news.usps.com
USPS Webinar | ‘PSHB and Medicare in Retirement’ April 14, 2025, Retirement, BlueCross BlueShield Medicare Webinar,

---

---

Social Security Fairness Act Changes Rules on Medicare Premium Payments for Millions of Retirees

Snippet of Article: "...If your newly adjusted Social Security benefit is large enough to cover Medicare premiums, you may no longer need to pay those premiums out of pocket. Instead, the premium amount will be automatically deducted from your monthly Social Security check.

This includes:

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

This deduction process streamlines the payment method, reducing the chance of missed payments and ensuring uninterrupted coverage. 2. Direct Billing Will Continue for Some..."

If your annual income crosses certain thresholds due to benefit increases, you might fall into a higher IRMAA bracket, leading to higher premiums.

Source: weekendspy.com

---

---

Are you disabled? You need to fear Democrats that make fun of you

Title: After Getting Called 'Governor Hot Wheels,' Abbott Had This to Say to Crockett

Article Snip: "...Greg Abbott delivers the PERFECT response after Rep. Jasmine Crockett mocked his disability and called him “Governor Hot Wheels.”

“It’s another day and another disaster by the Democrats. The reality is they have no vision, no policy. They have nothing to sell but hate. ..."

Reference: townhall.com
Making Fun of the Disabled, Insulting those in Wheelchairs, Democrat Hate, Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett,

---

---

When a Governor Attacks Tesla Stock For Political Purposes, Does it Harm Federal and State Pension Investments?

Title: Timmy Is Racing to Walk Back These Remarks About Tesla

Article Snip: "...he’s gallivanting around hoping that Tesla’s stock drops— Minnesota’s pension fund has a lot of shares in that company....Tim Walz says the one thing that brings him joy during the day is watching Tesla stock go down. ...He says it was a “joke,” and we have no humor. Timmy, your party melts down over the sillier things. And sorry, but hoping to trash a stock while domestic terrorists are targeting it isn’t funny. ..."

Reference: townhall.com
Tim Walz | Bad for Minnesota - Bad for America, Incompetence in Government, Attacks on Tesla, Attacks on 'Made in America' Automobiles, Attack on American Auto Manufacturer, Destruction of Good blue Collar Jobs,

---

---

Cannabis users under 50 are 6 times more likely to have a heart attack, new study shows

Title: Cannabis users under 50 are 6 times more likely to have a heart attack, new study shows

Article Snip: "...A new study shows that young people who consume marijuana are six times more likely to experience a heart attack than their counterparts. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) documents that people under the age of 50 who consume marijuana are about 6.2 times more likely to experience a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, than non-marijuana users. Young marijuana users are also 4.3 times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke and 2 times more likely to experience heart failure, the study shows. Researchers surveyed over 4.6 million people under the age of 50, of which 4.5 million do not use marijuana and 93,000 do. All participants were ...

Reference: www.usatoday.com

---

---

5 Reasons Retirees Shouldn’t Worry About DOGE Looking Into the Social Security Administration

Title: 5 Reasons Retirees Shouldn’t Worry About DOGE Looking Into the Social Security Administration

Article Snip: "...Under the Trump administration, operational changes are designed to streamline processes, but many safeguards save benefits, eligibility criteria and payment reliability from major overhauling. Here are five reasons retirees shouldn’t panic. Existing Federal Protections for Privacy and Data Security

Recently, there have been claims that DOGE staff have been learning SSA systems, which raises the question of data security and safety, but procedures for redundancy prevent operational risks. ..."

Reference: finance.yahoo.com

---

---

Boomers and Retirees Digest More Bad News

Title: Boomers and Retirees Digest More Bad News

Article Snip: "...Social Security is not meant to serve as retirees' only or even primary source of income. But for many people, that ends up being the case.

Many current retirees missed the boat on savings. Without pensions to fall back on, they're very reliant on Social Security to make ends meet.

Now the good news is that Social Security is..."

Reference: www.aol.com

---

---

6 Signs You're Doing Worse Financially Than the Average 60-Year-Old

Title: 6 Signs You're Doing Worse Financially Than the Average 60-Year-Old

Article Snip: "...If you are 60 years old, here are some signs that you are doing worse than your peers — and some suggestions for fixing the problem. ...The average amount of non-mortgage debt for people between the ages of 60 and 69 is $16,661, according to Debt.org. This type of debt includes credit cards, car loans, and other personal debt. ...You have a mortgage balance higher than $188,034 ..."

Reference: financebuzz.com

---

---

Disgusting! | Have Social Security Pensioners and Disabled Vets Been Shammed Out of the DOGE Dividend $5,000?

Title: Low-income Americans might not get DOGE benefits

Article Snip: "...to receive $5,000 each. Importantly, the rebate would be sent only to households that are net-income taxpayers — people who pay more in taxes than they get back — with lower-income Americans not qualifying for the return. According to the Pew Research Center, most Americans who have an adjusted gross income of under $40,000 pay effectively no federal income tax. ..."

Reference: www.nbcnews.com
Shammed Again, DOGE Dividend Checks Will Only Be For Those With an AGI Over $40,000 (www.nbcnews.com), Screwing Social Security Pensioners, Attacks on Disabled Veterans, Ripping Off Low Income Retirees and Workers,

---

---

Schumer and Senate Democrats Are Prepared to Shut Down the Government

Title: Schumer and Senate Democrats Are Prepared to Shut Down the Government

Article Snip: "...Thune takes procedural step to bring the House spending bill to the floor.

Vote would occur Friday morning — hours before government shutdown deadline — unless there’s an agreement to have it sooner.

60 votes would be needed. Schumer is threatening to block it. ..."

Reference: townhall.com
Schumer Shutdown 2025 vs. Republican Bill to Fund the Government,

---

---

How You Can Lose Your Medicare Benefits

Title: How You Can Lose Your Medicare Benefits

Article Snip: "...Your Medicare coverage can be disrupted or lost through your own actions or for reasons outside of your control. Don't let that happen to you. ...If you lose your Medicare coverage, you can reapply. Depending on circumstances, you may be able to apply outside of the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. You can reapply outside of that window if you've experienced what is considered to be a qualifying life event. In order to do this, you would typically qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Here's a look at the ways you can lose your Medicare benefits. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Medicare

---

---

Aging | The Blood of Exceptionally Long-Lived People Suggests Crucial Differences

Title: The Blood of Exceptionally Long-Lived People Suggests Crucial Differences

Article Snip: "Centenarians, once considered rare, have become commonplace. ...recent study, published in GeroScience, has unveiled some common biomarkers, including levels of cholesterol and glucose, in people who live past 90. ...Twelve blood-based biomarkers related to inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, as well as potential malnutrition and anaemia, were included. All of these have been associated with ageing or mortality in previous studies. The biomarker related to inflammation was ..."

Reference: www.sciencealert.com
Health,Aging,Centenarians,super-agers,

---

---

Health | We went blind after using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro

Title: We went blind after using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro

Article Snip: "When James Norris, a 56-year-old mechanic from Roxbury, New Jersey, went on a low dose of Mounjaro, a GLP-1 medication similar to...Then, in March 2024, shortly after his doctor upped his dosage to 2.5 milligrams (he’d started at 1.5 mg), he woke up one morning with clouded vision in his left eye. Two weeks later, vision in his right eye became blurry. ..."

Reference: nypost.com
Health,weight-loss drugs, Dangers of weight-loss drugs,Diabetes Medications,

---

---

Health | I love my new Ozempic body and I’d take the shots all over again — but there’s one unsettling downside

Title: I love my new Ozempic body and I’d take the shots all over again — but there’s one unsettling downside

Article Snip: "...Kane, 34, loves the confidence-boosting comments and a perceived difference in the way people treat her in public — but underneath her new skinny clothes, she’s struggling to sort out the..."

Reference: nypost.com
Ozempic, Ozempic Body,

---

---

Health | Butter linked to higher death risk while plant-based oils may boost health

Title: Butter linked to higher death risk while plant-based oils may boost health

Article Snip: " The study identified a significantly lower risk of premature death among people who ate a lot of plant-based oils over three decades. Replacing butter with plant-based oils may boost your health and reduce the risk of dying early, new research suggests. ...Not all plant-based oils are created equal. Olive oil, soybean oil, and rapeseed or canola oil were all tied to lower risks of death overall as well as from cancer and heart disease – but the study did not find any link between health risks and corn or safflower oil. They also did not analyse palm or coconut oils, which are high in saturated fats that have been linked to cardiovascular diseases...."

Reference: www.euronews.com

---

---