Federal Retirees Will Get 1.6% COLA in 2020

Title: Federal Retirees Will Get 1.6% COLA in 2020

Article Snip: "...Retired federal workers will receive a cost of living adjustment of 1.6% to their defined benefit pensions next year..."

Reference: www.govexec.com
COLA, 2020 Federal Retiree COLA,

Watch for These 9 Signs of Identity Theft

Title: Watch for These 9 Signs of Identity Theft

Article Snip: "...contact the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, to request a credit freeze on your accounts. Also known as a security freeze, this helps prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. A credit freeze is free and won’t affect your credit score..."

Reference: www.msn.com

Social Security: Finally A Plan to Help The Majority Instead Of Just The Wealthy

Title: Elizabeth Warren’s new plan calls for tax hike on wealthy to pay for Social Security overhaul

Article Snip: "...Sen. Elizabeth Warren is calling for the wealthy to pay for an overhaul of Social Security that would boost the annual payment to retirees by $2,400 and extend the program’s solvency by two decades..."

Reference: www.chicagotribune.com
Working Class Help, social security, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA),

Top Retirement Strategies for Government Employees

Title: Top Retirement Strategies for Government Employees

How retirement benefits differ and work for government employees

Article Snip: "...Retirement planning is different if your career has been as a government employee. The mainstream advice about 401(k) plans and Social Security benefits doesn’t apply to you. Here’s a look at the top strategies for government employees to plan for a successful retirement..."

Reference: www.investopedia.com

Should You Carry Your Mortgage Into Retirement?

Title: Should You Carry Your Mortgage Into Retirement?

Article Snip: "...there can be some drawbacks. Carrying a mortgage in retirement can be a good idea in certain situations, but it is certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution for increasing retirement income..."

Reference: www.investopedia.com

Baby Boomers: Don't Buy Into These 10 Pre-Retirement Investment Myths

Title: Baby Boomers: Don't Buy Into These 10 Pre-Retirement Investment Myths

Article Snip: "...As Baby Boomers approach retirement, they may encounter a lot of so-called “expert” advice telling them how to invest just before or during their golden years. While some of this guidance is sound, other tips are myths that may, in fact, steer investors in the wrong direction..."

Reference: www.forbes.com

What You Don't Know (But Should) About Your Thrift Savings Plan

Title: What You Don't Know (But Should) About Your Thrift Savings Plan

Article Snip: "...federal employees and members of the military save for retirement with a different kind of account: the Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP. In some ways, TSPs function similarly to 401(k)s. You make contributions, and your..."

Reference: www.forbes.com
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP),

What's a Roth 401(k)? The other employer-based retirement plan that lets your savings grow tax free

Title: What's a Roth 401(k)? The other employer-based retirement plan that lets your savings grow tax free

Article Snip: "...The Roth 401(k), like a Roth IRA, lets you build a nest egg that grows tax-free, but relatively few workers take advantage of this opportunity..."

Reference: www.nbcnews.com

The 10 Worst US States for Opportunity

Title: The 10 Worst US States for Opportunity

Article Snip: "...The Alabama State is ranked 3rd worst in opportunities mainly due to poor remuneration for employees. The workforce earns below the national average per household.Allocation to public schools is lesser than in other states. Crime rates are comparatively higher. The recent job growth is about 0.04% while the cost of living index is at 91.2. Alabama is ranked 48th in economic opportunities though in terms of affordability it is ranked 17th..."

Reference: www.worldatlas.com

Alabama next to last in US News ranking of best and worst states

Title: Alabama next to last in US News ranking of best and worst states

Article Snip: "...Alabama ranked last among the states in the education category. Its other rankings were..."

Reference: www.al.com

You're Most Likely to Die From Cancer in 1 of These States

Title: You're Most Likely to Die From Cancer in 1 of These States

Article Snip: "...looking at data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention on cancer rates in different states. The states with the highest incidence rates for cancer are Kentucky, Rhode Island, Delaware, Louisiana and New Jersey. The states with the lowest rates are New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska and Virginia..."

Reference: www.usnews.com
Cancer Rates (Death)

Rates of Unsolved Murder by State

Title: Rates of Unsolved Murder by State

Article Snip: "...News reports based on FBI statistics show that somewhere between 35%-40% of homicides in the US go unsolved in the US today. Uniform Crime Reporting data, available at the state level (excluding Florida)..."

Reference: www.unz.com
Rates of Unsolved Murder by State

America's Most Dangerous States

Title: America's Most Dangerous States

Article Snip: "...Of course, crime rates cannot be analyzed in isolation. To gain a better sense of safety across the country, it's helpful to incorporate statistics pertaining to clearance rates to gauge how often crimes are actually solved. Additionally, historical figures present a more balanced picture of how violent crime is evolving in each region: For example, the South has the highest murder rate per capita, but did boast the most year-over-year improvement in that category in 2017..."

Reference: www.safehome.org
Alabama (5), Most Dangerous States, Crime,

10 Best and Worst States for Health Insurance Costs

Title: 10 Best and Worst States for Health Insurance Costs

Article Snip: "...The combination of a high monthly premium, high deductible and high copays make Alabama the third-worst state for health insurance costs. The state’s lowest-cost silver plan, the Silver Compass 5000 plan offered by UnitedHealthcare, has a high deductible of $5,000, after which the enrollee is still responsible for 20 percent of care costs and a $20 copay for primary doctor visits. These lackluster benefits come at an above-median cost of $288 a month, or $3,456 a year. The state has not opted to expand Medicaid..."

Reference: www.huffpost.com
Health Insurance Costs, Alabama the third-worst state for health insurance costs, Alabama,

Top ten states with the highest sales tax rates in the US

Title: Top ten states with the highest sales tax rates in the US

Article Snip: "...ALABAMA (9.14%) – The state sales tax rate in Alabama is only 4%, but again the majority of the sales tax rate comes from a combination of city, county, and district rates. Many cities have a combined rate in the double digits, with the highest being 11% in the city of York..."

Reference: intuit.com
high-tax states for retirement, Taxes in Retirement, highest sales tax rates in the US, Alabama,

Which States Tax Groceries?

Title: Which States Tax Groceries?

Article Snip: "...States that tax groceries (rate if not fully taxed): Alabama, Arkansas (3%), Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois (1%), Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri (1.225%), Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee (5.5%), Utah (1.75%), Virginia (1.5% + 1% local option tax), and West Virginia (5%)..."

Reference: taxfoundation.org
Taxes in Retirement, high-tax states for retirement, Grocery Taxes, Which States Tax Groceries?, Alabama,

Retired feds avoid high-tax states

Title: Retired feds avoid high-tax states

Article Snip: "...Nine states don’t have any personal or state tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Another nine states exempt CSRS and FERS annuities from state tax: Alabama, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York and Pennsylvania...When it comes to the highest sales tax Tennessee, surprisingly, is No. 1 with a rate of 9.47%, which is why a lot of residents drive north to Kentucky — 38th with 6% sales tax..."

Reference: federalnewsnetwork.com
high-tax states for retirement, Retirement,

This Retirement Mistake Could Cost You $301,479 (Saving Charts)

Title: This Retirement Mistake Could Cost You $301,479

Article Snip: "...A classic mistake, made by millions of people, is not starting to save for retirement soon enough. It's a mistake so huge that it could cost you $301,479 -- or more. Here's a closer look at what it could cost you..."

Reference: www.fool.com

TSP Tax Deferred vs. Tax Exempt

Title: TSP Tax Deferred vs. Tax Exempt

Article Snip: "...Federal employees hired after July 31, 2010, have 3 percent of pay is deducted from every paycheck into the TSP account, and each government agency contributes 1 percent of pay. The agency also contributes 3 percent in Agency Matching Contributions. If hired before August 1, 2010, the TSP receives 1 percent equivalent pay contributions from the individual agency. His agency contributes up to 5 percent in matches..."

Reference: smallbusiness.chron.com
TSP

Retirement Bills to Receive Big Push From Industry Lobbyists

Title: Retirement Bills to Receive Big Push From Industry Lobbyists

Article Snip: "...The bills would provide U.S. workers with expanded opportunities to participate in employer-provided retirement plans while providing some administrative relief to employers and incentivizing them to offer more savings plan opportunities..."

Reference: 401kspecialistmag.com

If I stop working before I begin claiming Social Security, will my monthly benefit amount be reduced?

Title: If I stop working before I begin claiming Social Security, will my monthly benefit amount be reduced?

Article Snip: "...If you already have 35 years of earnings, your benefit may or may not be affected by a decision to stop working now. Here's why: Any future..."

Reference: www.aarp.org

It’s going to get easier for some Americans to save for retirement

Title: It’s going to get easier for some Americans to save for retirement

Article Snip: "...Small businesses across the country could use this type of program. Three-quarters of business owners who do not offer a retirement plan said they are not likely to implement one in the next two years..."

Reference: www.marketwatch.com

If you are a postal employee nearing retirement you should use eRetire to properly prepare

Title: If you are a postal employee nearing retirement you should use eRetire to properly prepare

Are you contemplating a retirement from the United States Postal Service (USPS)? Retirement is one of the most important decisions most of us will face in life. There are so many questions we must ask ourselves prior to making this move ...or deciding we are not ready to do so yet. The USPS makes the decision easier for us by providing a great site with links and applications to assist you with the entire process. Once you are eligible for retirement, eRetire found on liteblue, you will be able to do one or all of the following:

• View and print your annuity estimate.
• Select a specific retirement date to start the retirement process.
• Request retirement application forms through the mail or download and print locally.
• Schedule a retirement counseling session.

Reference: Federal Retirement News
Postal Retirement, USPS Retirement, liteblue.usps.gov, eRetire,

50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

Title: 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

Retirement Travel

Article Snip: "This richly illustrated book from the travel experts at National Geographic showcases the best travel experiences in every state, from the obvious to the unexpected. Sites include national parks, beaches, hotels, Civil War battlefields, dude ranches, out-of-the-way museums, and more. You'll discover the world's longest yard sale in Tennessee, swamp tours in Louisiana, dinosaur trails in Colorado, America's oldest street in NYC, and the best spot to watch for sea otters on the central California coast. Each entry provides detailed travel information as well as fascinating facts about each state that will help fuel your wanderlust and ensure the best vacation possible. In addition to 50 states in the U.S., the book includes a section on the Canadian provinces and territories"
Reference: National Geographic
Retirement Travel

Secrets Of A Successful Retiree: From A Retirement Professional

Title: Secrets Of A Successful Retiree: From A Retirement Professional

Article Snip: "...What are the retirement planning strategies that an internationally recognized retirement expert successfully has used to plan her own retirement? There’s plenty you can learn from Anna Rappaport, a researcher, consultant, author, and speaker on a variety of retirement planning topics..."

Reference: www.forbes.com
Anna Rappaport, Retirement Planning Tips,

The Social Security Expansion Act Pays For Itself; Requires Wealthy to Pay Same Percentage as Working Class

Title:

Article Snip: "...The Social Security Expansion Act is profoundly wise legislation that increases Social Security benefits for all current and future beneficiaries, as well as providing additional targeted benefit increases. These include ensuring that those who work a lifetime at low wages are not forced to retire into poverty...The benefit increases in the Social Security Expansion Act are paid for entirely by requiring the wealthiest to pay their fair share into Social Security. It provides that they contribute the same percentage of their incomes to Social Security that minimum wage workers pay..."

Reference: www.commondreams.org

3 Things to Know About Social Security if You’re Divorced

Title: 3 Things to Know About Social Security if You’re Divorced

Article Snip: "...Did you know Social Security spousal benefits extend to certain ex-spouses who have gotten divorced? Social Security benefits currently provide..."

Reference: www.fool.com
social security, Divorce,

Connolly reintroduces Equal COLA Act

Title: Equal COLA Act

Article Snip: "...Equal COLA Act. The legislation aims to bring equity to the way the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is determined under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)..."

Reference: augustafreepress.com
Equal COLA Act

The jobs with the best retirement benefits

Title: The jobs with the best retirement benefits

Article Snip: "...GOBankingRates analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2017 Employer Costs for Employee Compensation data and determined the best occupations for retirement benefits based on the field with the largest employer contribution per hour. The worst jobs for retirement benefits had the lowest employer contribution per hour..."

Reference: www.msn.com

Getting Started on the Retirement Process

Title: Getting Started on the Retirement Process

Article Snip: "...You should begin planning for retirement at least a year ahead of the day you expect to retire. However, an early retirement offer, a “buyout,” or a RIF can motivate you to make a quick retirement decision..."

Reference: www.fedweek.com

Five Considerations for Federal Employee Disability Retirement Cases

Title: Five Considerations for Federal Employee Disability Retirement Cases

Article Snip: "...Federal employees thinking about filing for disability retirement should consider the following five issues as they debate whether or not to proceed..."

Reference: www.arlnow.com
Disability Retirement

Is Working after Retirement Worth the Costs?

Title: Is Working after Retirement Worth the Costs?

Article Snip: "...because the SRS (in this case) is treated the same as a Social Security benefit, it can be reduced or eliminated if you exceed the earnings limit. The limit for earnings before impacting either SSA or SRS payments is $17,040 in 2018..."

Reference: www.fedsmith.com
Social Security Earnings Limit, Social Security special retirement supplement (SRS), CSRS vs FERS,

COLA's: Another FERS Disadvantage (Lower COLA's and Age Delayed)

Title: Federal Annuity and Benefits

Article Snip: "...FERS and FERS Specials Cost-of-Living Adjustments are not provided until age 62, except for disability, survivor benefits, and other special provision retirements. FERS disability retirees get the adjustment, except when they are receiving a disability annuity based on 60 percent of their high-3 average salary. Also, under FERS, if you have a CSRS component, the component is subject to the CSRS COLA calculation. FERS survivors receive the FERS increase on their entire annuity, even where component service is involved..."

Reference: www.opm.gov
CSRS vs FERS, COLA,

For American Workers, 4 Key Retirement Issues to Watch in 2019

Title: For American Workers, 4 Key Retirement Issues to Watch in 2019

Article Snip: "...It’s going to be a busy year in Washington and state capitals for policymakers working to improve the retirement security of millions of Americans. Savings Plans, Saving One Million Pensions, Protecting Investors From Conflicted Advice, Expanding Social Security ..."

Reference: www.nytimes.com
Social Security, Pensions, Investing, Savings,

The Middle Class Retirement Nightmare

Title: The Middle Class Retirement Nightmare

Article Snip: "...Like a squirrel that hasn’t saved against approaching winter… 80% of American workers have under one year’s salary salted away for retirement. This we learn from a recent report issuing from the National Institute on Retirement Security..."

Reference: dailyreckoning.com
Middle Class Retirement

For first time ever, military's Tricare will have open enrollment similiar to civilian health insurance

Title: For first time ever, military's Tricare will have open enrollment similiar to civilian health insurance

Article Snip: "...For the first time, those using Tricare can take part in an open enrollment season akin to civilian healthcare, allowing users to change or keep their current plan. In addition, military retirees will no longer receive dental benefits through Tricare, but will be able to obtain..."

Reference: www.tampabay.com
Tricare, dental benefits through Tricare, Tricare Prime, dental and vision policy,

The Social Security Retirement Age Increases to 66.5 in 2019

Title: The Social Security Retirement Age Increases to 66.5 in 2019

Article Snip: "...Here's a look at how the retirement age is changing, and what this means for your retirement payments. An older Social Security full retirement age. The full retirement age used to be 65 for those born in 1937 or earlier. Those born between..."

Reference: usnews.com

More Reading: How the federal government makes sure you wont get much in Social Security. For example, the U.S. life expectancy for a white male in Alabama is 73.36 and the new Social Security age is 66.5. So if you are lucky enough to live until your are 73.36 you will collect Social Security for approximately 7 years. Now that's a real ponzi scheme!

What is 'Provisional Income'

Title: What is 'Provisional Income'

Article Snip: "...Provisional income is an IRS threshold above which social security income is taxable. The base, from §86 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), triggers taxability social security benefits requiring its inclusion in gross income tax payment on excess amounts..."

Reference: www.investopedia.com
Provisional Income,

What is considered "earned income" relative to social security benefits?

Title: What is considered income relative to social security benefits?

Article Snip: "...In general, the Social Security Administration defines “earned income” as “income from wages or net earnings from self-employment.” For example, earnings may include bonuses, commissions, and severance pay. Investment income, pensions, capital gains, and inheritances are not considered wages. Other types of payment made by an employer may be considered earnings under certain conditions..."

Reference: www.aarp.org
Social Security Earnings Limit, earned income,

Are Social Security Benefits Taxed?

Title: Are Social Security Benefits Taxed?

Article Snip: "...Some of you have to pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you..."

Reference: www.ssa.gov
Taxes on Social Security,