Federal retirement numbers continue to rise

Title: Federal retirement numbers continue to rise

Article Snip: "...Federal retirement numbers at the Office of Personnel Management are continuing to skyrocket. In November, OPM took in another 23,000 applications from retiring employees. That’s on top of more than 20,000 that entered OPM’s systems in October. Together, those numbers mean retirement applications are triple the volume they were at this time last year. In total, OPM’s retirement inventory is now closing in on 50,000 applications that are still awaiting finalization. ..."

Reference: federalnewsnetwork.com

---

---

How much is the average Social Security payment in each state?

Title: How much is the average Social Security payment in each state?

Article Snip: "...Social Security benefits vary by person and are determined by previous earnings, the number of years they worked and the age at which they retired. However, as a report in The Hill pointed out, the Social Security Administration’s Annual Statistical Supplement breaks down benefits by state and shows a range of payments.

The report covers benefits paid in 2024, so the 2025 COLA is not included.

The top 10 states with the highest average monthly Social Security benefits were:..."

Reference: www.al.com
Average Social Security payment in each state (2024), Social Security Administration’s Annual Statistical Supplement,

---

---

Federal Reserve live coverage: Fed set to cut interest rates for third time this year, 2026 forecast in focus

Title: Federal Reserve live coverage: Fed set to cut interest rates for third time this year, 2026 forecast in focus

Article Snip: "...Investors expect the Fed will cut rates by 0.25%, its third cut of the year, at the conclusion of its two-day meeting, with data from the CME Group showing a 90% chance the central bank will cut rates this week. ..."

Reference: finance.yahoo.com
2025, Poor Economic Conditions Force Another Fed Rate Cut,Layoffs,Economy 2025, Trump Economy 2025,

---

---

Health Watch | FDA recalls blood pressure medication over cholesterol drug contamination

Title: FDA recalls blood pressure medication over cholesterol drug contamination

Article Snip: "...The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a nationwide recall of thousands of bottles of blood-pressure medication last week after discovering cross-contamination with another drug. ..."

Reference: www.foxbusiness.com
Cholesterol drug contamination,Food and Drug Administration (FDA),Drug Recalls,

---

---

When Are January 2026 Social Security Payments Coming?

Title: When Are January 2026 Social Security Payments Coming?

Article Snip: "...January also marks the first month that the cost-of-living adjustment, known as the COLA, for 2026 is set to be reflected in most benefit payments. Beneficiaries across all SSA programs will receive a 2.8 percent boost, the government agency confirmed in October. ...Most beneficiaries are paid based on the day of their birth, but some follow different schedules. Those who began receiving retirement, spousal or survivor benefits before May 1997..."

Reference: www.newsweek.com
January 2026 Social Security, Tiny COLA Increase for 2026 (2.8%),COLA 2026 (Social Security),

---

---

Health Watch | 4 Simple Exercises That Restore Muscle Faster Than Lifting Weights After 60

Title: 4 Simple Exercises That Restore Muscle Faster Than Lifting Weights After 60

Article Snip: "...Age-related muscle loss (known as sarcopenia) begins in your 30s and accelerates as the decades pass. Research suggests that after 60, adults naturally lose strength at a faster rate unless they intervene with resistance training. However, what most people don’t realize is that resistance training doesn’t always require lifting heavy weights. In fact, it can be created with nothing more than how you move your body and how slowly you lower into each repetition. ..."

Reference: www.eatthis.com
Sarcopenia

---

---

The average retirement age in the US (2024 Study)

Title: The average retirement age in the US

Article Snip: "...Find out when US workers are retiring, and learn how to determine the best retirement age for you. ..."

Reference: www.guardianlife.com
The average retirement age in the US (2024 Study), average retirement age is 62 (2024),

---

---

Social Security changes on the table as House bills advance: New retirement age terms, more ID theft services

Title: Social Security changes on the table as House bills advance: New retirement age terms, more ID theft services

Article Snip: "...More than 1.35 billion victim notices were sent to individuals in 2024 following more than 3,100 data breaches, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. More than 1,800 of those breaches involved Social Security numbers. A Senate version of the bill led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, currently has nine bipartisan co-sponsors. ..."

Reference: www.cnbc.com
Social Security and Retirement, ID Theft,Social Security Number Lock,Official U.S. Government E-verify Social Security Number Lock,

---

---

Dave Ramsey Warns Against Long-Term Renting: Here's Why It Could Be A Costly Choice, Even If Buying Isn't Your Plan

Title: Dave Ramsey Warns Against Long-Term Renting: Here's Why It Could Be A Costly Choice, Even If Buying Isn't Your Plan

Article Snip: "...“Renting gives you flexibility, and sometimes that makes perfect sense,” Ramsey stated. “But over time, those rent payments add up, and you’re left with nothing to show.” He added, “Rental rates increase nearly yearly, making long-term renting less viable.” ..."

Reference: finance.yahoo.com

---

---

Mortgages for Seniors: Everything You Need to Know

Title: Mortgages for Seniors: Everything You Need to Know

Article Snip: "...The goal should be to live within your means, to make sure you don’t run out of funds and wind up in bad shape in your retiring years, says John J. Vento, a certified public accountant, certified financial planner and author of “Financial Independence (Getting to Point X): A Comprehensive Tax-Smart Wealth Management Guide.”

“You don’t want to be 75 years old, with a big mortgage on your home, and are not sure where you’re going to get the money to pay the mortgage each month,” Vento says. ..."

Reference: wtop.com
Mortgages for Seniors,pre-retirement planning,retirement planning,

---

---

Health Watch | The Ripeness Level Of Your Banana Actually Matters For Your Health — Here's How

Title: The Ripeness Level Of Your Banana Actually Matters For Your Health — Here's How

Article Snip: "The nutritional content in a banana changes as it ripens. What ripeness level is best for you? ...The benefits of resistant starch are many, including helping to feed healthy gut bacteria that reduce inflammation and keeping blood sugar levels stable, according to Zenker. It’s also digested more slowly, which can keep you full for longer. ... “This level of ripeness is ideal for people who are trying to control blood glucose levels, such as those with insulin resistance as seen with prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions..."

Reference: www.huffpost.com
Health Watch, Green Banana vs. Ripe Banana | Which Offers the Greatest Health Benefit, Resistant Starch and its Benefits, Good Gut Bacteria, Inflammation Reduction,

---

---

Here's the Maximum Possible Social Security Benefit for Retirees Ages 62 to 85 in 2026

Title: Here's the Maximum Possible Social Security Benefit for Retirees Ages 62 to 85 in 2026

Article Snip: "...The average Social Security retirement beneficiary is expected to receive a monthly payment of about $2,064 in 2026, based on the most recent data provided by the Social Security Administration. But some beneficiaries will receive much more. Those with long, highly paid careers, can receive thousands of dollars more each month from the government retirement program. But there are several factors ..."

Reference: www.fool.com

---

---

Federal Retirement Program Tweaks Are Taking Effect After the Holiday Season

Title: Federal Retirement Program Tweaks Are Taking Effect After the Holiday Season

Article Snip: "...Federal retirement programs—including Social Security, Medicare, pensions, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts—are undergoing routine updates at the start of 2026. While these adjustments may seem minor, they directly affect retirees’ monthly budgets and long‑term planning. Staying informed is essential, especially for seniors who rely on predictable income streams. ...Medicare costs are also climbing. The Part B premium increases to $202.90 per month in 2026, up from $185 in 2025. Deductibles for hospital (Part A) and outpatient (Part B) services are rising modestly as well. Because Part B premiums are deducted directly from Social Security checks, many retirees will see their net benefit reduced. Analysts note that nearly one‑third of the COLA boost will be absorbed by Medicare costs"

Reference: www.savingadvice.com

---

---

A look at your costs in retirement or life currently

Title: America's deepening affordability crisis summed up in 5 charts

Article Snip: "Here are five key categories of spending that many Americans are struggling to afford. ...a homebuyer today needing to earn $121,400 a year to afford a typical home...average American earns about $84,000 a year...Americans now pay an average of $265 per month in utility costs, up 12% since last year"

Reference: www.cbsnews.com

---

---

9 Jobs For Mature Workers That Pay at Least $80,000

Title: 9 Jobs For Mature Workers That Pay at Least $80,000

Article Snip: "... Your background in business, healthcare, or computers may be just what you need as a mature worker to find a job that pays at least $80,000 a year. Such a financially rewarding job can help you feel satisfied and maximize your retirement savings.

One way to find such a job may be to rely on your network and search for connections on social media. They can often help open the door to new opportunities faster than just applying blindly to jobs. ..."

Reference: financebuzz.com

---

---

Cybercrime Watch | Amazon Fire Sticks Modified for Illegal Streaming Raise Security Concerns

Title: Amazon Fire Sticks Modified for Illegal Streaming Raise Security Concerns

Article Snip: "...experts are warning that modified Amazon Fire Sticks used for illegal streaming can expose users to malware capable of harvesting banking information, passwords and personal data. ..."

Reference: www.lawyer-monthly.com

---

---

Senate Democrats propose $200 monthly boost to Social Security benefits for limited time

Title: Senate Democrats propose $200 monthly boost to Social Security benefits for limited time

Article Snip: "Senate Democrats have unveiled legislation to provide an additional $200 per month to Social Security recipients through mid-2026. ...Democratic leaders argue that the current COLA is insufficient to address rising costs.

The legislation would benefit all Title II Social Security beneficiaries, Supplemental Security Income recipients, Railroad Retirement beneficiaries and veterans receiving disability compensation or pension benefits. ..."

Reference: www.cleveland.com
CPI-W vs. True Inflation, Social Security, Democrats Attempt to Help Struggling Seniors,

---

---

While Trump Plays Blushing Schoolgirl With Mamdani, Senior citizens will pay a lot more for Medicare in 2026

Title: Senior citizens will pay a lot more for Medicare in 2026

Article Snip: "...Senior citizens are the latest group of Americans to face steep increases in their health insurance premiums for 2026.

Medicare Part B premiums will jump nearly 10% next year, the largest increase in four years and second-largest hike, in dollar terms, in the program’s history. The standard monthly premium will be $202.90, an increase of $17.90...fewer plans will offer $0 deductibles for prescription drugs, while maximum out-of-pocket limits for medical care are rising $490, or about 10%, on average. Among Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage that have a monthly premium, the average premium will increase to $66 next year, up from $60 this year."

Reference: www.kwwl.com
Trump Should Be Helping Seniors Rather Than Stroking Democrat Socialist Mamdani,

---

---

Health Watch | This is the optimal morning routine, according to science

Title: This is the optimal morning routine, according to science

Article Snip: "...a purposeful morning can do you good. Research shows, for example, that working out before breakfast burns more fat, improves the body’s insulin response and lowers your risk of diabetes and heart disease. ...But there’s an ever-growing list of demanding tasks to fit into an already busy part of the day.

So, what does a healthy – and realistic – morning look like?"

Reference: www.sciencefocus.com
Optimal morning routine, Exercise Before Breakfast,Health Watch,

---

---

Health Watch | Will the flu shot work and when should you take it?

Title: Will the flu shot work and when should you take it?

Article Snip: "Pharmacies have administered at least 2 million fewer flu vaccines than in the past ...The Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP for short) at the University of Minnesota has been receiving reports that the dominant strain of flu this season in other parts of the world that get flu earlier — H3N2 subclade K — doesn’t match the new vaccine very well.

Pamela Gomez, respiratory disease epidemiologist in the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, said people should still be vaccinated against the flu. “As soon as possible is the best action,” she told Deseret News, as even a less-than-perfect match will help keep those who get the flu from hospitalization. It should still reduce the severity should one be sickened by influenza. ..."

Reference: www.deseret.com
Flu Shots, Flu Shot 2025, H3N2 subclade K,

---

---

Health Watch | Alzheimer’s scientists find key to halting brain decline before symptoms

Title: Alzheimer’s scientists find key to halting brain decline before symptoms

Article Snip: "...Scientists may have found a way to stop Alzheimer’s damage before it starts ...“There are already treatments on the market to target beta amyloid buildup, and now here’s a targeted therapy to dissolve and disrupt tau protein buildup before it forms the dreaded neurofibrillatory tangles.” Siegel believes this is “bound to be of clinical value” and will likely be better tolerated than other medications currently on the market."

Reference: nypost.com

---

---

Dental Cost Advice for New Retirees, From a New Retiree

Title: Dental Cost Advice for New Retirees, From a New Retiree

Article Snip: "...I opted for original Medicare and a Medigap plan when I retired. I made this decision because with a Medicare Advantage plan, I would have been limited to using in-network doctors and other providers. Likewise, while many Medicare Advantage plans include dental care, the coverage is usually restricted to providers in their network.

In addition, Medicare Advantage plans often impose...One option is a stand-alone dental insurance plan...scrutinize the fine print. Most plans will cover only a portion of the cost of certain procedures..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com

---

---

An Aggressive Social Security Garnishment Is Underway for Over 1,000,000 Beneficiaries -- but Some May Be Able to Legally Avoid It

Title: An Aggressive Social Security Garnishment Is Underway for Over 1,000,000 Beneficiaries -- but Some May Be Able to Legally Avoid It

Article Snip: "...the biggest direct change of all comes in the form of Social Security garnishments pertaining to overpaid benefits. ..."

Reference: finance.yahoo.com

---

---

Your Medicare Bill Is About to Climb—What the 2026 Increases Mean and How to Protect Your Budget

Title: Your Medicare Bill Is About to Climb—What the 2026 Increases Mean and How to Protect Your Budget

Article Snip: "...The biggest premium increase in years is coming—here's exactly what changes and how to save money...Part B, which covers outpatient services, home health services and medical equipment, is expected to go jump from an average cost of $185 a month to $206 per month—a 12 percent increase that could change based on one’s income. (The increase from 2024 to 2025 was half that, at 6 percent.) For Part D—the service that helps cover prescriptions—monthly premiums will jump up from $35 to $50 for people using it with other Medicare plans. That increase is significant for older adults who rely on the coverage to get the medications they need."

Reference: www.womansworld.com
Medicare part B, Medicare Inflation (2026), 2026 Medicare's Insane Price Increases,Medicare Part D,Medicare Part D vs. PSHB Part D Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP),Retirees Being Bankrupted By Medicare,

---

---

White House nears deals to cut obesity drug prices, gain Medicare access, source says

Title: Lilly, Novo near White House deals to cut obesity drug prices, gain Medicare access, source says

Article Snip: "...expected to announce deals with the Trump administration to cut prices of their weight-loss drugs in exchange for Medicare coverage, a White House source told Reuters on Tuesday.

Patients in the U.S. currently pay the most for prescription medicines, often nearly three times more than in other developed nations, and President Donald Trump has been pressuring drugmakers to lower their prices to what patients pay elsewhere. ..."

Reference: www.reuters.com

---

---

Health Watch | Is your cooking oil making you sick? Cardiologist reveals the best and worst oils for heart health

Title: Is your cooking oil making you sick? Cardiologist reveals the best and worst oils for heart health

Article Snip: "...oils we use for cooking, have a significant impact on our health ...oils that are rich in good fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, along with..."

Reference: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

---

---

Military medical facilities aim to woo back Medicare-eligible patients

Title: Military medical facilities aim to woo back Medicare-eligible patients

Article Snip: "...Defense Health Agency officials have launched an effort to bring back Medicare-eligible Tricare for Life military patients to their treatment facilities, the Pentagon’s top doctor said this week.

They are prioritizing bringing back these retirees and their dependents back to 21 military treatment facilities,..."

Reference: www.marinecorpstimes.com
Tricare for Life, Medicare-eligible Tricare for Life military patients,

---

---

7 Factors That Make Your Retirement More Financially Stable

Title: 7 Factors That Make Your Retirement More Financially Stable

Article Snip: "...According to a study from AARP, around 1 in 5 adults age 30 or older have no retirement savings, and 64% worry they won’t have enough money throughout retirement. In order to live comfortably longer, here are seven factors that may make retirement more financially stable. ..."

Reference: www.aol.com
Pensions,Mortgage Debt,AARP,Emergency Fund,Debt in Retirement,

---

---

How Big Should Your Emergency Fund Be When You’re Retired?

Title: How Big Should Your Emergency Fund Be When You’re Retired?

Article Snip: "...some older adults are far behind on preparing for a rainy day. Twenty-four percent of adults ages 45 to 60 and 16 percent of people ages 61 to 79 have no emergency savings, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Emergency Savings Report. “Without an emergency fund, it is easy for retirees to take on debt, make early withdrawals from retirement accounts during market downturns or even sacrifice essential needs,” warns Kristen Beckstead, a certified financial planner and vice president at First Horizon Advisors in Nashville, Tennessee. So how big should your emergency fund be when you’re retired? Here’s what financial advisers recommend. ..."

Reference: www.aarp.org
Emergency savings in retirement,

---

---

Social Security benefits to increase in 2026, COLA is higher than expected but there’s a catch

Title: Social Security benefits to increase in 2026, COLA is higher than expected but there’s a catch

Article Snip: "...the Social Security Administration revealed the annual cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for beneficiaries for 2026 is 2.8%...The average increase is estimated to be around $56 per month and will take effect starting in January...

Reference: www.mlive.com
2026 COLA (2.8%), Social Security COLA (2026),

---

---

Social Security COLA Increase Prediction Sparks Warning From Senior Group

Title: Social Security COLA Increase Prediction Sparks Warning From Senior Group

Article Snip: "...A senior group is warning once again that Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment won’t be enough for the average senior citizen next year.

The Senior Citizens League is predicting a 2.7 percent COLA for 2026. ..."

Reference: www.newsweek.com
Social Security COLA

---

---

Ranked: America’s Most Common Drugs by Medicare Spending

Title: Ranked: America’s Most Common Drugs by Medicare Spending

Article Snip: "...From diabetes injectables to blockbuster blood thinners, a handful of drugs account for a sizable share of Medicare’s pharmacy bill. ..."

Reference: www.visualcapitalist.com
Most Common Drugs by Medicare Spending

---

---

Survey finds 75% of Americans plan to work in retirement. Here's why.

Title: Survey finds 75% of Americans plan to work in retirement. Here's why.

Article Snip: "...75% of respondents plan to work for pay in retirement. Some want to work to continue investing, while others crave social interaction.

The EBRI has been conducting this survey for years and has consistently found that fewer people end up working in retirement than planned. ..."

Reference: www.usatoday.com
Working in Retirement vs. the Reality,

---

---

Health Watch | Even small amounts of alcohol linked to higher dementia risk in older adults, study shows

Title: Even small amounts of alcohol linked to higher dementia risk in older adults, study shows

Article Snip: "Research challenges common belief that low levels of alcohol consumption benefit brain health...Even small amounts of alcohol consumption could put older adults at a higher risk of dementia.

That’s according to a recent study led by the University of Oxford in the U.K. — in collaboration with Yale University and the University of Cambridge in the U.K. The study analyzed data from more than 500,000 people drawn from the UK Biobank and the U.S. Million Veteran Program. ..."

Reference: www.foxnews.com
Health Watch, Alcohol and Health, Dementia Risk and Alcohol Consumption,Lower Your Dementia Risk,

---

---

Six Warren Buffett Quotes Every Retiree Should Live By

Title: Six Warren Buffett Quotes Every Retiree Should Live By

Article Snip: "...Retirement doesn’t mean people stop collecting stuff, but Buffett wants us to. Instead of focusing on acquiring new things, we can focus on health and friendships. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com

---

---

Diane Omdahl on Forbes Offers Great Medicare Info | Check Her Out

Title: Diane Omdahl on Forbes Offers Great Medicare Info | Check Her Out

Article Snip: "...Diane Omdahl is a nationally acclaimed Medicare expert, registered nurse, and serial entrepreneur. With extensive experience, she has served as a technical expert for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the organization that administers the Medicare program. Diane is the author of Medicare for You: A Smart Person’s Guide and is a sought-after speaker on Medicare-related issues. Since 2019, she has been a contributor to Forbes and has been quoted in numerous national publications, including The Washington Post, CBS MoneyWatch, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal MarketWatch, Kiplinger, and many others. Her latest venture, 65 Incorporated, empowers individuals aged 65 and older by providing them with clear, accurate, and comprehensive information to make informed Medicare decisions. Diane is also the visionary behind the i65 Medicare optimization software suite, designed to streamline and enhance the Medicare decision-making process. ..."

Reference: www.forbes.com
Diane Omdahl, Medicare Education, Medicare for You: A Smart Person’s Guide,Education,Reading,

---

---

I Asked Grok Where To Retire on $2,000 a Month: Here’s What It Said

Title: I Asked Grok Where To Retire on $2,000 a Month: Here’s What It Said

Article Snip: "...Tallahassee topped Grok’s list of places you can retire in the U.S. for $2,000 a month. Rent will cost you around $995, or you can buy a home and have a mortgage that Grok estimates at $1,248. Grok cited the city’s high livability score, which according to Area Vibes is an 85 — better than 98% of the country. ..."

Reference: www.gobankingrates.com
GROK (Best Choice for Intelligent and Unbiased AI), Tallahassee Best Place to Retire on $2,000 a Month (GROK AI #1 Pick), AI Knows Best, Best Places to Live in Retirement,

---

---

Robert Kiyosaki warns US baby boomers will be ‘wiped out,’ left homeless ‘all over’ the country — how to fight back now

Title: Robert Kiyosaki warns US baby boomers will be ‘wiped out,’ left homeless ‘all over’ the country — how to fight back now

Article Snip: "...a generation typically defined as those born between 1946 and 1964. And he believes his peers will be especially vulnerable.

“The boomers don’t have enough money to get through inflation. The boomers are going to be homeless all over the place,” he said. “So mark my words, I’m the first of the boomers. We’re going to get wiped out via inflation. Your mommy and daddy may be on the street because inflation is going to wipe out their Social Security.”

His concerns tap into a very real issue. While Social Security Administration benefits are adjusted annually for inflation, many experts note that these cost-of-living adjustments often fall short of the rising expenses older Americans face — especially for housing and health care. ..."

Reference: www.aol.com
Bankrupting Baby Boomers, Younger Baby Boomers Will Be Destroyed in Retirement, Destruction of the Retiree, America Has Money for Everyone Except Retirees,

---

---

Strength Training In Your Late 50s and Early 60s

Title: Strength Training In Your Late 50s and Early 60s

Article Snip: "...Incorporating strength training into your week has remarkable benefits. So, the question is not whether you should incorporate it, but how to incorporate it safely into your physical activity plan. Here is a question from a retiree who is looking for advice on how to get started:..."

Reference: www.military.com
Fitness

---

---

Health Watch | Flu season has arrived – and so have updated flu vaccines

Title: Flu season has arrived – and so have updated flu vaccines

Article Snip: "...In the U.S., all flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 season will be trivalent – which means they are formulated to protect against the three main groups of influenza virus strains. These are an A (H1N1) virus, an A (H3N2) virus and a B/Victoria virus. ..."

Reference: theconversation.com
Health Watch, Flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 season,

---

---

Social Security’s COLA announcement is back on, as some furloughed workers return to produce September inflation report

Title: Social Security’s COLA announcement is back on, as some furloughed workers return to produce September inflation report

Article Snip: "...The CPI report, which was slated to be published on Oct. 15, will now be released Oct. 24, according to statement by the BLS. COLA will be released that day, as well, according to a Social Security Administration spokesperson. ..."

Reference: www.marketwatch.com
BLS Inflation DATA, September 2025 Delayed inflation report, Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries Government Shutdown Delays CPI Release,

---

---

Winners and losers from 2026 Medicare Advantage star ratings

Title: Winners and losers from 2026 Medicare Advantage star ratings

Article Snip: "...CMS quietly released highly anticipated star ratings data Thursday night. Humana and Aetna saw enrollment in highly rated plans fall, while Elevance’s and Centene’s stars improved. ..."

Reference: www.healthcaredive.com
2026 Medicare Advantage star ratings

---

---

Ahh. A story of true love (Not!) | It's All About The Money

Title: A divorced couple considers retying the knot to maximize Social Security payments

Article Snip: "...An ex-spouse gets the same amount regardless of whether you remarry them — up to 50% of your Social Security benefit at your full retirement age, unless their own benefit is greater. But there’s one crucial difference to keep in mind. ..."

Reference: www.latimes.com

---

---

TrumpRX.gov Beginning Jan. 2026 | An official website of the United States government

Title: TrumpRX.gov | An official website of the United States government

Article Snip: "Coming Jan. 2026, Find your medication at the Lowest Price with TrumpRX.gov...TrumpRx doesn't sell medications. Instead, it connects patients directly with the best prices, increasing transparency and cutting out costly third-party markups. ...President Trump is delivering on promises that "experts" said were impossible by taking bold action to lower prescription drug costs for American families—without sacrificing innovation.

Americans have unfairly shouldered the cost of drug development for decades, only to see those same medications sold abroad for a fraction of the price paid in the U.S.

This broken system hasn't just been unfair—it's driven up costs and hurt the most vulnerable among us.

President Trump is changing that with TrumpRx. READ THE EXECUTIVE ORDER BY TRUMP"

Reference:
Astrazeneca Drug Discounts Achieved by President Trump, trumprx.gov, Jan. 2026,Trump Actions,Lower Drug Prices Under Trump, Health Care Under Trump,

---

---

101 Social Security & Medicare Pitfalls...and How to Avoid Them

Title: 101 Social Security & Medicare Pitfalls...and How to Avoid Them

Article Snip: "...The 2025-2026 Edition: Updated with crucial law changes affecting Social Security & Medicare in 2025 and 2026

Is a single, overlooked deadline or a simple misunderstanding about the rules costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in retirement?

Navigating Social Security and Medicare can feel like walking through a minefield. The rules are complex, the advice from friends is often outdated, and one wrong step can lead to lifelong penalties, permanently reduced benefits, and unexpected healthcare costs that deplete your hard-earned savings.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. 101 Social Security & Medicare Pitfalls is the clear, practical, and up-to-date roadmap every American needs to secure the retirement they deserve. This guide demystifies the system and empowers you to sidestep the common traps that catch even the most diligent planners.

Thoroughly updated for 2025 to include major law changes! This edition contains essential, must-have information on the monumental changes that make other guides obsolete:

The Social Security Fairness Act: Understand what the full repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) means for public servants and claim the full, unreduced benefits you've rightfully earned.
The Inflation Reduction Act: Learn how to navigate the new, simpler Medicare Part D structure with its $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket drug costs, replacing the confusing "donut hole" and saving you money.

Inside this essential guide, you will discover how to avoid costly mistakes, including:

Pitfall #6: Missing your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period and facing permanent, lifelong late penalties.
Pitfall #22: Claiming Social Security benefits too early and permanently slashing your monthly income.
Pitfall #69: Mistakenly believing Medicare covers long-term care—a misconception that can devastate your savings.
Pitfall #15: Getting hit with an unexpected tax bill on your Social Security benefits.
Pitfall #47: Missing your one-time window for Medigap guaranteed issue rights and being denied coverage later.
Pitfall #25: Failing to coordinate spousal benefits for maximum household income and survivor protection.
..and 95 more costly pitfalls..."

Reference: Amazon
101 Social Security & Medicare Pitfalls...and How to Avoid Them,Amazon,Reading,Medicare,

---

---

Your Medicare Part D Plan: How to Save by Switching

Title: Your Medicare Part D Plan: How to Save by Switching

Article Snip: "...The drug coverage provided by Medicare Part D is a key part of a retiree’s health insurance, and there are many options to choose from for those who have standalone Part D plans. Since these plans can change from year to year – sometimes dramatically – switching plans may offer big savings. ...During Medicare’s fall open enrollment period (October 15 through December 7 every year), enrollees can review their coverage and, if needed, switch plans. ...you can stay with original Medicare and choose your own standalone Part D plan. The Medicare Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov makes this process easier. ..."

Reference: bc.edu
Medicare Part D,Open Season, Medicare Plan Finder tool,

---

---

Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are Five Tax Breaks for Retirement in 2025

Title: Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are Five Tax Breaks for Retirement in 2025

Article Snip: "...If you’re retired and filing taxes, these tax credits and deductions could provide thousands in relief (if you qualify). ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Extra standard deduction for retirees who are over 65, Bonus deduction for retired older adults, Car loan interest deduction, Property tax credits on your state income return (if you have one),

---

---

The Spendthrift Trap: Here's One Way to Protect Your Legacy From an Irresponsible Heir

Title: The Spendthrift Trap: Here's One Way to Protect Your Legacy From an Irresponsible Heir

Article Snip: "..."Is there some way to prevent a financially irresponsible child from squandering his inheritance and winding up on the street or from others trying to take those funds to satisfy debts?"..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
estate planning, Spendthrift Trust, Asset Protection Trust, Domestic Asset Protection Trust (DAPT),

---

---

Health insurers make a major move older Americans won’t like

Title: Health insurers make a major move older Americans won’t like

Article Snip: "In the U.S., most people get their health insurance via their employer, but if you’re self-employed or retired, you’re in a different pool. ...Medicare, the government-run health insurance plan for seniors and Medicaid, coverage for low-income people and people with disabilities.

Many Americans — 33 million people, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) — now use Medicare Advantage, essentially Medicare benefits offered through private insurance companies that contract with CMS. ..."

Reference: www.thestreet.com

---

---

Big Wins for Present and Future Retirees, As Stock Markets Break Records With Huge Increases

Title: Wall Street ticks to more records

Article Snip: "...The S&P 500 added 0.1% to its all-time high set the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 79 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.4%. Both also hit records. ..."

Reference: finance.yahoo.com

---

---

Meet the rich retired boomers who are now ultra-frugal because they are scared of going broke—even after saving for decades

Title: Meet the rich retired boomers who are now ultra-frugal because they are scared of going broke—even after saving for decades

Article Snip: "...wealthy boomers who have retired with at least six figures in savings are feeling the pinch. ...study from Prudential Financial. The Fortune 500 investment, money management, and retirement planning firm surveyed around 20,000 people over the age of 50 and found retirees are living well below their means.

Married 65-year-olds with at least $100,000 in financial assets withdrew an average of 2.1% of their savings annually—that is, nearly half the usual spending rate of retirees"

Reference: fortune.com
Destruction of Retirees,Baby Boomers Struggling in Retirement,Conservative Boomers Continue to Make the Sacrifices That Have Permitted a Survivable Retirement, Work Ethic - Sacrifice - Economic Commonsense of Baby Boomers, How do you survive retirement?,

---

---

Health Watch | How to future-proof your knees

Title: How to future-proof your knees

Article Snip: "...You might start to notice it as early as your thirties: the dull knee aches when the weather changes, the morning stiffness when you get out of bed. You might think twice about crouching down. They're all unwelcome signs that your knees are not quite the well-oiled joints they once were.

This will be especially true if you have a physical job..."

Reference: www.bbc.com
Health Watch, Future-proof your knees, Knee Health,

---

---

Social Security's Latest 2026 COLA Estimate Is 2.7%, but That Don't Worry, the Government Will Get Most of It Before You See it

Title: Social Security's Latest 2026 COLA Estimate Is 2.7%, but That Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Article Snip: "...Social Security COLAs are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) during the months of July, August, and September specifically. This year, September's CPI-W is expected to get announced on Oct. 15, after which the SSA can share an official 2026 COLA. ...But for those who are on Medicare and Social Security at the same time, Part B premiums"

Reference: www.fool.com
Will Medicare Steal Your 2026 COLA,The Plight of the Silent Majority (Retirees on Social Security),

---

---

The 10 Best Travel Hacks Every Active Retiree Should Know

Title: The 10 Best Travel Hacks Every Active Retiree Should Know

Article Snip: "...with careful and creative planning, you can still enjoy exciting adventures on a budget. Here are the 10 best budget-friendly travel hacks tailored for active older people looking to make the most of their journeys. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
10 Best Travel Hacks for Retirees

---

---

Here's the Net Worth of the Average Retiree (How Do You Compare?)

Title: Here's the Net Worth of the Average Retiree (How Do You Compare?)

Article Snip: "...When calculating your net worth, remember that it includes more than just the cash in your bank account.

Your home, pensions, investments, car, and other real estate play a major role in making up your net worth, including intangible objects like trademarks or patents. ..."

Reference: www.aol.com
Net Worth of the Average Retiree

---

---

I'm 63 With an Aging House That Needs Repairs, but I Might Move to a Retirement Community In a Few Years. Is It Worth Making Those Fixes?

Title: I'm 63 With an Aging House That Needs Repairs, but I Might Move to a Retirement Community In a Few Years. Is It Worth Making Those Fixes?

Article Snip: "...In a study by The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence and the MIT AgeLab, 59% of homeowners aged 50 and older reported that home maintenance has become more challenging for them over time. And that percentage rose to 69% for those ages 70 and older.

Moving to a retirement community could help alleviate the burden of home maintenance. You may find that..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com

---

---

Destruction of Retirees | Your Medicare Costs Are Set to Soar: What to Expect Over the Next Decade

Title: Your Medicare Costs Are Set to Soar: What to Expect Over the Next Decade

Article Snip: "Medicare beneficiaries will face higher premiums, deductibles and surcharges starting in 2026...The 2025 Medicare Trustees Report projects a steady increase in Medicare Part B premiums and IRMAA surcharges over the next nine years. The projections are based on expected rises in healthcare costs, particularly for outpatient hospital services and physician-administered drugs. It's crucial for retirees and those approaching retirement to understand these projections for proper financial planning. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Medicare Costs Soar,Destruction of Retirees,Destruction of Seniors,2026 Medicare,

---

---

Health Watch | Study: Aspirin cuts colorectal cancer recurrence in half

Title: Study: Aspirin cuts colorectal cancer recurrence in half

Article Snip: "...The study included more than 3,500 patients with colon and rectal cancer from dozens of hospitals in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Patients whose tumors showed a specific genetic mutation in the PIK3CA signaling pathway. The mutation, according to Medical Xpress, was found in approximately 40% of patients. Those patients were randomly chosen to receive either 160 mg of aspirin daily or a placebo for three years after surgery. ...For patients with the genetic mutation in PIK3, the risk of recurrence was reduced by 55% in those who received aspirin compared with the placebo group."

Reference: www.newsnationnow.com
Health Watch, Aspirin cuts colorectal cancer recurrence (Study),Colorectal Cancer,

---

---

When will i get my Annual Notice of Change (Medicare) from my plan?

Title: Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

Article Snip: "...What is it?

If you're in a Medicare plan, your plan will send you a "Plan Annual Notice of Change" (ANOC) each fall. The ANOC includes any changes in coverage, costs, and more that will be effective in January.

When should I get it? September

Who sends it?
Your plan

What should I do if I get this notice?

Review any changes to decide whether the plan will continue to meet your needs in the next year. If you don't get this important document, contact your plan. ..."

Reference: www.medicare.gov
When will i get my Annual Notice of Change (Medicare) from my plan? September, Annual Notice of Change (Medicare),

---

---

Don’t ignore this upcoming Medicare update (Annual Notice of Change) — it could be the most important message of the year

Title: Don’t ignore this upcoming Medicare update — it could be the most important message of the year

Article Snip: "...The Annual Notice of Change — sometimes called by its “ANOC” acronym — lays out how your costs and coverage will be different next year in your drug (Medicare Part D) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which is the alternative to original Medicare sold by health insurers. If you assume the 2026 plan will be identical to your 2025 plan, you’ll be wrong. ..."

Reference: www.marketwatch.com
Annual Notice of Change (Medicare), Important Action Needed, Medicare,

---

---

Retirement Systems of Alabama | RSA completes construction on new statehouse with company busted for illegal immigrant labor

Title: RSA completes construction on new statehouse with company busted for illegal immigrant labor

Article Snip: "Retirement Systems of Alabama CEO David Bronner still does not like President Donald Trump. ...He took particular issue with Trump's illegal immigration policy ...Bronner's remarks come as his operation is completing construction on a much-anticipated replacement for the Alabama Statehouse. However, one of the primary contractors under contract with RSA was the subject of an illegal immigration raid earlier this year. ..."

Reference: 1819news.com
David Bronner, Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), Scumbags in Alabama Government, illegals in Alabama, Rabren General Contractors | Alabama Satehouse Construction project,

---

---

Drug Watch | Heard of the ‘chill pill’? Meet Propranolol, the nerve-calmer everyone’s talking about

Title: Heard of the ‘chill pill’? Meet Propranolol, the nerve-calmer everyone’s talking about

Article Snip: "...Let’s talk about the buzzy little heart med that’s making waves as the “Chill Pill.” Propranolol isn’t new, it’s a classic beta blocker, around since the 1960s and originally meant for heart issues, but lately, it's become the darling of anyone needing nerves to chill… fast. ..."

Reference: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Propranolol (Chill Pill), Nerve-calmer Pill,

---

---

UnitedHealth sees 78% of members in high-rated Medicare plans

Title: UnitedHealth sees 78% of members in high-rated Medicare plans

Article Snip: "...The estimate of memberships in 4-star or higher-rated Medicare Advantage plans, which cover Americans aged 65 years or older, is consistent with the company's expectations and in line with historical performance, UnitedHealth said. ..."

Reference: www.reuters.com
UnitedHealth, High-rated Medicare plans,Medicare,Medicare Advantage plans,

---

---

More Americans aging into retirement are still paying down mortgages

Title: More Americans aging into retirement are still paying down mortgages

Article Snip: "The number of so-called cost-burdened older adults is at an all-time high. That means they are spending 30% or more of their income on housing, utilities, taxes and insurance. ...The mortgage debt story mirrors the broader trend toward more older adults entering retirement in debt. Debt repayments can hike financial stress and vulnerability, especially for those of modest means. The struggle to cover debts leaves them with less money for essentials like food, health and home maintenance — let alone fun. ..."

Reference: www.marketplace.org
Mortgage Debt,Home Ownership,

---

---

Health Watch | Nearly half of people with diabetes don’t know they have it, new study finds

Title: Nearly half of people with diabetes don’t know they have it, new study finds

Article Snip: "...When was the last time you had your blood sugar checked? It might be worth looking into, a new study says.

Forty-four percent of people age 15 and older living with diabetes are undiagnosed...“Diagnosing diabetes early is important because it allows for timely management to prevent or delay long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss,” said Rita Kalyani, chief scientific and medical officer at the American Diabetes Association. She was not involved in the study."

Reference: www.4029tv.com
Importance of blood Tests,Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetes,

---

---

Study | What is a Life Well lived? | 38 million obituaries may hold the answer

Title: MSU study: What obituaries reveal about a life well-lived

Article Snip: "...What constitutes a life well-lived? A new Michigan State University-led study is turning to a common cultural artifact to find out: the obituary.

In the study, published in the journal the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, or PNAS, researchers from MSU, Boston College and Arizona State University analyzed 38 million obituaries from the U.S. spanning 30 years to examine what values people are most remembered for, how cultural events and time change how people are remembered, and how legacy reflections reinforce societal expectations of a life well-lived based on demographics. ..."

Reference: msutoday.msu.edu
What is a Life Well lived?, Theoretical examination of the human drive for legacy,

MORE READING: The desire to be remembered: A review and analysis of legacy motivations and behaviors.

---

---

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,

---

---

Retired Federal Employee ExFed T-Shirt on Amazon

Title: Retired Federal Employee ExFed T-Shirt

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,

---

---