Monday, September 1, 2025

Health Watch | Dementia risk slashed with one common health intervention, study finds

Title: Dementia risk slashed with one common health intervention, study finds

Article Snip: "..Adults who wore hearing devices had 61% lower risk for incident all-cause dementia compared to untreated hearing loss. ..."

Reference: www.foxnews.com
Lower Your Dementia Risk, Dementia, Hearing, Hearing Loss and Dementia,






Sunday, August 31, 2025

Retired Federal Employee ExFed T-Shirt on Amazon

Title: Retired Federal Employee ExFed T-Shirt

Retired Federal Employee ExFed T-Shirt on Amazon
Article Snip: "... Looking for retirement gifts for women or retirement gifts for men in the form of retirement shirts for women or retirement shirtsfor men? Here's a great ExFed shirt perfect for retired federal employees as a 2020 retired fbi shirt for coworker FBI agents. Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem ..."

Reference: Amazon
Retired Federal Employee ExFed T-Shirt,Retirement Gifts,Amazon,






Saturday, August 30, 2025

Should you get original Medicare or an Advantage plan? Here’s what to know

Title: Should you get original Medicare or an Advantage plan? Here’s what to know

Article Snip: "...Traditional Medicare, also known as original Medicare, covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities care, hospice care and home health care, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It also covers services from doctors, outpatient care, “durable medical equipment” such as wheelchairs and walkers, as well as preventive services such as screenings, an annual wellness visit and certain vaccines...."

Reference: www.miamiherald.com






Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Does Medicare Part B Cover the Seasonal Flu Shot?

Title: Does Medicare Part B Cover the Seasonal Flu Shot?

Article Snip: "...Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers the seasonal flu shot (or vaccine) once per flu season. ..."

Reference: www.medicare.gov
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), Flu Shots,






Flu season is coming, so when should you get a shot?

Title: Flu season is coming, so when should you get a shot?

Article Snip: "...When is the best time to get vaccinated?

Influenza typically peaks in February in the U.S. The best months to get a flu shot are September, October and November. According to Cleveland Clinic, getting vaccinated during any of those months will allow your body to build up protective antibodies as flu season starts. Will the flu shot be available around the country?

Yes, pharmacy chains like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy have already begun offering flu shots for this year, along with grocers like Walmart and Kroger who offer them at their clinics.

Flu shots are covered by most health insurance plans. Some clinics across the country may offer the shot to people regardless of if they are insured or not. You can also use the CDC’s flu vaccine finder to find a location near you to get your flu shot. ...Flu shots are covered by most health insurance plans. Some clinics across the country may offer the shot to people regardless of if they are insured or not.


"

Reference: www.newsnationnow.com
When should you get a shot?






Cracker Barrel Restaurant Returns to Old Logo, Yet DEI Program Allegedly Still Silently Lingers in the Background

Title: Cracker Barrel stock turns higher as Trump weighs in on logo furor

Article Snip: "...To distance the company from its rustic identity and appeal to a wider demographic, Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ:CBRL) embarked on a rebranding campaign, eliminating “old country store” and redesigning its logo to a more streamlined aesthetic that was roundly criticized by loyal customers...The idea was to celebrate the diversity of all our guests with a logo that represented our continued passion for pleasing people of all races, colors, and genders ..."

Reference: seekingalpha.com

More Reading: Uncle Herschel is back — but Cracker Barrel still has bigger problems to fix






Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Health Watch | Mediterranean Diet Cuts Dementia-Linked Metabolites By 35% in APOE4 Carriers

Title: Mediterranean Diet Cuts Dementia-Linked Metabolites By 35% in APOE4 Carriers

Article Snip: "...Patients with 2 copies of the APOE4 gene—a major risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD)—who ate a Mediterranean diet lowered their risk of dementia by 35%, according to study findings published in Nature Medicine...."

Reference: www.pharmacytimes.com
apoe4 gene, Dementia,Diet,Mediterranean Diet, Health Watch,






A shocking 19% of retirees say they’re living a ‘nightmare’ — how to save yourself from the same terrible fate

Title: A shocking 19% of retirees say they’re living a ‘nightmare’ — how to save yourself from the same terrible fate

Article Snip: "...This gap highlights a harsh truth: many Americans are falling short of the savings needed to support a comfortable retirement. While Northwestern Mutual research suggests the average person believes they'll need around $1.26 million to retire comfortably, Fidelity reports the average 401(k) balance among those 70 and up is just $250,000. And according to Federal Reserve data, only 3.2% of all retirees have $1 million or more saved.

This is simply not enough for many seniors...
"

Reference: finance.yahoo.com
Destruction of Retirees,






Monday, August 25, 2025

How to Plan for Aging in Place: Five Key Factors

Title: How to Plan for Aging in Place: Five Key Factors

Article Snip: "...Almost no one wants to live in a nursing home. But staying in your home as you grow older is more complicated than you may think. We ask the experts for advice. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
How to Plan for Aging in Place






Sunday, August 24, 2025

FBI warns seniors about billion-dollar scam draining retirement funds, expert says AI driving it

Title: FBI warns seniors about billion-dollar scam draining retirement funds, expert says AI driving it

Article Snip: "FBI warns three-phase scheme uses tech support, bank and government impostors to target elderly victims...In the first phase, a tech support impostor will contact victims through text, phone call or email, then direct them to download a program allowing the scammer remote access to their computer. ..."

Reference: www.foxnews.com
Scams,Tech Support Scam Targeting Seniors, Remote Access to Computer,






Saturday, August 23, 2025

Health Watch | Eating This Vegetable Could Lower Your Dementia Risk, According to Dietitians

Title: Eating This Vegetable Could Lower Your Dementia Risk, According to Dietitians

Article Snip: "...While no single food can protect your brain on its own, dietitians agree that leafy greens like spinach deserve a spot on your plate.

Here’s why dietitians say spinach is the standout vegetable to help reduce your risk of dementia. ...
"

Reference: www.eatingwell.com






We Asked A BBQ Pitmaster How To Actually Grill The Perfect Chicken Breast

Title: We Asked A BBQ Pitmaster How To Actually Grill The Perfect Chicken Breast

Article Snip: "...Shoults, owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse and Marshall Mercantile, told us the key to perfect chicken is prep. "Never skip marinating your chicken; the longer it soaks, the juicier and more tender the chicken will be -- it will be dripping with flavor," he explained. Of course, even after marinating, there's more to grilling chicken to perfection. "Try to..."

Reference: www.aol.com
How To Grill The Perfect Chicken Breast, Cooking Tips, Grilling, BBQ Tips,






The Emotional Side of Retiring: Six Steps to Help You Move On

Title: The Emotional Side of Retiring: Six Steps to Help You Move On

Article Snip: "...Getting mentally ready for retirement can be tough. The loss of your work identity, daily connections, and sense of purpose can make the transition difficult. Here are six steps to help you adjust. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Emotional Side of Retiring






Turmoil In Medicare Advantage Plans Continues

Title: Turmoil In Medicare Advantage Plans Continues

Article Snip: "... major sponsors of Advantage plans reported that their costs were higher than expected because of higher use of medical services and increased claims by plan members. CVS Health, Aetna and UnitedHealth Group announced disappointing earnings and saw their stock prices decline.

CMS also made tweaks to the regulations that resulted in lower payments or no payments to Advantage plan sponsors for some medical services.

Those factors did cause significant changes in Advantage plans for 2025. There were 6.6% fewer Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage available in 2025 than in 2024. UnitedHealth Group offered 5.4% fewer plans while Humana reduced its offerings by 2.5%. ...
"

Reference: www.forbes.com
Medicare Advantage






Friday, August 22, 2025

Cracker Barrel Restaurant | Destruction of a Once Great Southern Culture Restaurant

Title: Cracker Barrel lovers can check out new menu, logo

Article Snip: "The southern "country" style restaurant-store chain is introducing a new logo, and launching a new menu...The moves come amid Cracker Barrel's larger rebranding project, including remodeled restaurants. ...an aim to attract younger crowds ..."A swing and a miss. We eat here for a reason. I get what you tried. I don't want bright and open. I want grandma's house back."

More sarcstically, one user wrote: "Ok, I see what y'all did. Nice work. Now, undo it all and put it back like it was.
"
"

Reference: www.freep.com
Cracker Barrel Restaurant, Cracker Barrel fans share distaste with remodeled restaurants, When the 'WOKE' leadership destroys a great business model, It's the Little Things, Destroying Southern Culture, If It Ain't Broke - Don't Fix It, Asheville North Carolina, Removal of Southern Gentleman form Cracker Barrel Logo,






Thursday, August 21, 2025

Medicare News | CVS Caremark ordered to pay $290M after Medicare fraud scheme exposed by former Aetna whistleblower

Title: CVS Caremark ordered to pay $290M after Medicare fraud scheme exposed by former Aetna whistleblower

Article Snip: "...Philadelphia court triples damages after finding pharmacy benefit manager overcharged Medicare by $95M...A federal judge has ordered CVS Health’s pharmacy benefit manager, Caremark, to pay nearly $290 million after a whistleblower accused the business of overcharging Medicare on prescription drugs more than a decade ago.

Sarah Behnke, a former Aetna actuary, alleged Caremark defrauded Medicare Part D by causing false drug cost reports to be submitted in 2013 and 2014.
"

Reference: www.foxbusiness.com
Root Causes of Medicare Insurance Increases, CVS Caremark, Medicare Faud Scheme, Aetna whistleblower, Slow Justice,






Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Living on a Cruise Ship in Retirement: A Brilliant Hack or a Costly Mistake?

Title: Living on a Cruise Ship in Retirement: A Brilliant Hack or a Costly Mistake?

Article Snip: "...Forget images of Florida condos and Arizona golf courses—some retirees are trading traditional retirement for a permanent life at sea. But before you start packing your bags for shuffleboard, endless buffets, and permanent ocean views, you'll need to assess the financial reality of a cruise ship retirement. ..."

Reference: www.investopedia.com
Living on a Cruise Ship in Retirement






Monday, August 18, 2025

How Much the Average Upper-Class Retiree Spends Monthly at Age 70

Title: How Much the Average Upper-Class Retiree Spends Monthly at Age 70

Article Snip: "...Here’s a look at how much this demographic tends to spend in retirement, using data from the BLS, Fidelity, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Corebridge Financial. ..."

Reference: finance.yahoo.com
Average Upper-Class Retiree Spends Monthly at Age 70






I Asked ChatGPT If Retirees Can Live on Social Security Alone — Here’s What It Said

Title: I Asked ChatGPT If Retirees Can Live on Social Security Alone — Here’s What It Said

Article Snip: "...Social Security was never intended to cover the entire cost of living in retirement, but in some situations, there are those who can make it work. Here’s what ChatGPT had to say about what Social Security covers, if it’s enough, and who is living on this income alone. ..."

Reference: finance.yahoo.com






Tuesday, August 12, 2025

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






Friday, August 8, 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






Thursday, August 7, 2025

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,






Wednesday, August 6, 2025

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






Sunday, August 3, 2025

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,






Saturday, August 2, 2025

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






Friday, August 1, 2025

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,






Thursday, July 31, 2025

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,






Sunday, July 27, 2025

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,






Friday, July 25, 2025

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,






Thursday, July 24, 2025

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,






Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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






Wednesday, July 16, 2025

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,






Tuesday, July 15, 2025

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),






Monday, July 14, 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]






Saturday, July 12, 2025

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






Monday, July 7, 2025

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,






Thursday, July 3, 2025

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)

$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)




Saturday, June 28, 2025

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,






Tuesday, June 24, 2025

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






Saturday, June 21, 2025

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),






Friday, June 20, 2025

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






Tuesday, June 17, 2025

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,






Saturday, June 14, 2025

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






Friday, June 13, 2025

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,






Wednesday, June 11, 2025

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






Monday, May 26, 2025

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,






Saturday, May 17, 2025

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






Tuesday, May 13, 2025

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),






Tuesday, May 6, 2025

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,