Monday, February 27, 2023

Medicaid to Drop 14 Million from Program Under New Rules

Title: Medicaid to Drop 14 Million from Program Under New Rules

Article Snip: "If you get health care coverage through Medicaid, you might be at risk of losing that coverage over the next year. as states begin checking everyone's eligibility for Medicaid for the first time in three years, as many as 14 million people could lose access to that health care coverage. A look at why so many people may no longer qualify for the Medicaid program over the next year and what you need to know if you're one of those people..."

Reference: www.newsmax.com
Medicaid,


Sunday, February 26, 2023

5 insurance changes to make when you retire

Title: 5 insurance changes to make when you retire

Article Snip: "retirement is a good time to look closely at your insurance coverage. ...
● Tell your car insurance agent or company you’re no longer commuting. Driving fewer miles may reduce your car insurance rates.
● Take a defensive driving course. Most states and the District of Columbia require car insurers to give discounted rates to older adults, usually ages 55 and up, who complete these classes. AARP and...
"

Reference: www.usatoday.com
Defensive Driving Course, Discounts on Auto Insurance, Insurance,


Saturday, February 25, 2023

H.R. 866 | Equal COLA Act | Please write or call your congressional rep to cosponser this Act please

H.R. 866 | Equal COLA Act

Snippet of Article: "H.R. 866: To amend title 5, United States Code, to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment with respect to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System, and for other purposes. ...Call or write congress on H.R. 866"

Source: www.govtrack.us

H.R. 866

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Ways to Avoid the Penalty on Early Retirement Withdrawals

Title: Ways to Avoid the Penalty on Early Retirement Withdrawals

Article Snip: "...Sometimes you just can’t avoid dipping into a retirement fund, but you might be able to qualify for an exception to the 10% tax penalty. ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Early Retirement Withdrawals


Wednesday, February 22, 2023

50 Fun Things To Do When Retired And Single

Title: 50 Fun Things To Do When Retired And Single

Article Snip: "Find A Date: You’re single. Why not go on a date? Or try to find your perfect match. If you have an eye on someone, ask them out for a cup of coffee, walk around the block, or go out to dinner. If you would like to date but don’t know where to find someone. You can check out eHarmony. The leading dating site for seniors....Redecorate Your Home...Order Gourmet Meals...Get Into Gardening...Get A Robot Pet...Perform A Random Act Of Kindness...Go Back To School... Relax And Do Nothing...At Cratejoy you can get a monthly subscription to a fun cocktail box. ...Join A Club...Give Yourself A Retirement Gift...Date Yourself..."

Reference: retirementtipsandtricks.com
Retired And Single, leading dating site for seniors,seniors dating service,mature dating,


The 5 Lessons I Learned During My First 5 Years Of Retirement

Title: The 5 Lessons I Learned During My First 5 Years Of Retirement

Article Snip: "...I quickly realized that retirement and work are like vinegar and oil for me: They do not mix. I thought about volunteering but, being honest with myself, I have resisted, knowing I would feel some hesitation and obligation, which is the antithesis of my idea of retirement. ..."

Reference: www.travelawaits.com
Retirement Tips,


Tuesday, February 21, 2023

‘This is not the retirement I envisioned.’ How retirees are getting hit by inflation

Title: ‘This is not the retirement I envisioned.’ How retirees are getting hit by inflation

Article Snip: "One common refrain was the shock of dealing with the huge jump in food prices – especially on meat, fruits and vegetables. Food prices have seen their largest annual increase in 41 years. And the cost of groceries jumped 10.8% between April 2021 and April 2022. But of course, inflation’s reach goes far beyond the supermarket. Here’s how these retirees say they are coping...her rent will be increased by $200 a month – a 14% jump...Her expectations for retirement were very different than her present reality. “I didn’t expect the level of stress financially. I truly didn’t. I worked for 50 years. ...electricity and natural gas commonly used for heating and cooling homes, was up 30.3% year-over-year. Plans to buy a new car are also tabled. “The starting price for a new Jeep is $15,000 more than my house cost..."

Reference: www.cnn.com
Inflation 2023, Retirees vs Inflation,Destruction of Retirees,

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Estimated Average Monthly Social Security Benefits Payable in January 2023 | SSA.GOV

Title: Estimated Average Monthly Social Security Benefits Payable in January 2023 | SSA.GOV

Article Snip: "All Retired Workers $1827, Aged Couple, Both Receiving Benefits $2,972, All Disabled Workers $1,483, ..."

Reference: www.ssa.gov
Average Monthly Social Security Benefits Payable in January 2023

Monday, February 13, 2023

15 Best Places To Live on Only a Social Security Check

Title: 15 Best Places To Live on Only a Social Security Check

Article Snip: "...with an average monthly benefit of just $1,827 as of Jan. 2023, Social Security doesn’t provide nearly enough income for retirees ..."

Reference: www.gobankingrates.com
Average Social Security Benefit for 2023 is just $1,827, Best Places To Live on Only a Social Security Check,


Where are the best non-woke-joke places to retire? Oh, nevermind they own search and media so we can't find any

Title: Where are the best non-woke places to retire? Oh, nevermind they own search and media so we can't find any

Article Snip: "Oh, nevermind they own search and media so we can't find any. Although we all know that Florida is the number 1 best place to retire if you are simply a MAN or WOMAN that has worked hard and want to retire in a free state with a governor that protects the constitution and civil rights ."

Reference: Federal Retirement News
Where are the best non-woke-joke places to retire?


Sunday, February 12, 2023

The 33 Best Retirement Blogs On The Planet

Title: The 33 Best Retirement Blogs On The Planet

Article Snip: "...the 33 best retirement blogs on the planet that’s created and run by retirees, for retirees. From financial advice and earning in retirement, to retirement lifestyle, travel, and just pure entertainment..."

Reference: 4retirees.com

Saturday, February 11, 2023

This Is How to Properly Pay Yourself in Retirement

Title: This Is How to Properly Pay Yourself in Retirement

Article Snip: "Suze Orman says there are six things you should do. ...Why wait? Suze Orman, financial guru, tweeted six tips from her Ultimate Retirement Guide for how to properly pay yourself in retirement. Check out how you can prepare for the next step in your financial life right now. ..."

Reference: www.fool.com
Ultimate Retirement Guide


Wednesday, February 8, 2023

OPM | Get Your OPM Tax Documents (2023)

Title: OPM | Get Your OPM Tax Documents (2023)

Article Snip: "Learn how to view, download, print, or request by mail your annual 1099-R tax form. "

Reference: www.opm.gov
OPM Tax Documents (2023), 1099-R tax form,

REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION DELIVERED TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS ON FEBRUARY 7, 2023--PM 1

REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION DELIVERED TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS ON FEBRUARY 7, 2023--PM 1

Text Version: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION DELIVERED TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS ON FEBRUARY 7, 2023--PM 1

The PRESIDING OFFICER laid before the Senate the following message from the President of the United States which was which was ordered to lie on the table:

To the Congress of the United States:
Mr. Speaker. Madam Vice President. Our First Lady and Second Gentleman. Members of Congress and the Cabinet. Leaders of our military. Mr. Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and retired Justices of the Supreme Court. And you, my fellow Americans.
READ IN FULL

LISTEN

Source: www.congress.gov

REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION DELIVERED TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS ON FEBRUARY 7 2023--PM 1

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Chinese Spy Balloon May Be Watching Our Cellphone Traffic: Ex-U.S. Colonel

Title: Chinese Spy Balloon May Be Watching Our Cellphone Traffic: Ex-U.S. Colonel

Article Snip: "Chinese spy balloon...monitoring cellphone traffic in the U.S. . In other words, they're looking at our cellphone traffic, our radio traffic." gathering information on U.S. communication systems and radar...President Joe Biden decided against shooting down the balloon..."

Reference: www.newsweek.com
Spy Balloon (China),debt ceiling,Missile Defense Program Useless in Protecting U.S. Airspace, Man in the Middle Attacks (China), Cell Phone Breaches, Wasted Tax Money, Taxes,

Thursday, February 2, 2023

The 'Ice Cream Chronicles' | Biden Changes Like a Chameleon Depending on What's Most Advantageous for HIM at the moment

Biden’s fixation on cutting Social Security dates back to the Reagan era

Article Excerpt: "...“I tried with Senator Grassley back in the 1980s to freeze all government spending, including Social Security, including everything,” Biden said in 1995. ...“When I argued that we should freeze federal spending, I meant Social Security as well,” he told the Senate in 1995. “I meant Medicare and Medicaid. I meant veterans’ benefits. I meant every single solitary thing in the government. And I not only tried it once, I tried it twice, I tried it a third time, and I tried it a fourth time.” (A freeze would have reduced the amount that would be paid out, cutting the program’s benefit.)" ...Biden himself, at least on his campaign website, now supports making Social Security more generous, not less. But that’s at odds with decades of his own advocacy, a record that could become a major political liability



Resource: theintercept.com

Biden’s fixation on cutting Social Security, Social Security Cut Quotes from Biden,



Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Rules to Get Credits for New Clean Vehicles Purchased in 2023 or After

Title: Credits for New Clean Vehicles Purchased in 2023 or After

Article Snip: "...You can use your modified AGI from the year you take delivery of the vehicle or the year before, whichever is less. If your modified AGI is below the threshold in 1 of the two years, you can claim the credit. The credit is nonrefundable, so you can't get back more on the credit than you owe in taxes. You can't apply any excess credit to future tax years. ...You will need to provide your vehicle's VIN."

Reference: www.irs.gov
EV tax break rules,


Does the FERS special retirement supplement ever increase?

Title: Does the FERS special retirement supplement ever increase?

Article Snip: "...It’s set at the amount of Social Security benefit you earned while a FERS employee. The SRS is paid out of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund because you haven’t yet reached the minimum Social Security retirement age. When you reach age 62, the SRS will..."

Reference: www.federaltimes.com
FERS special retirement supplement (SRS)

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

More than $5.4 billion in Covid loans went to applicants using 'questionable' Social Security numbers, watchdog says

Title: More than $5.4 billion in Covid loans went to applicants using 'questionable' Social Security numbers, watchdog says

Article Snip: "...The numbers were either not issued by the U.S. government or "did not match the name and/or date of birth information provided … suggesting potential identity fraud.”..."

Reference: www.nbcnews.com
Fraud, Social Security,

Thursday, January 26, 2023

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor (Paperback)

Title: How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor (Paperback)

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom
Article Snip: "...How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free offers inspirational advice on how to enjoy life to its fullest. The key to achieving an active and satisfying retirement involves a great deal more than having adequate financial resources; it also encompasses all other aspects of life -- interesting leisure activities, creative pursuits, physical well-being, mental well-being, and solid social support. World-class author..."

Reference: Amazon
"How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor Paperback",books for federal retirees,Amazon, Gifts for Retirees,


What is ‘Ozempic face’? Doctors warn about facial ageing side effect of diabetes medications

Title: What is ‘Ozempic face’? Doctors warn about facial ageing side effect of diabetes medications

Article Snip: "“Weight loss may turn back your biological age, but it tends to turn your facial clock forward,” one dermatologist says ...Doctors are warning individuals who have turned to diabetes medications to lose weight that the drugs may result in unwanted side effects such as facial ageing. In recent months, injectable prescription medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, which were created for those with type 2 diabetes, have seen a rise in popularity among individuals who view the drugs as a quick-fix weight-loss method. ..."

Reference: www.independent.co.uk
Aging, Medication, Ozempic face, Diabetes Medications,Weight loss,


When can I download my 1099r tax form?

Title: When can I download my 1099r tax form?

Article Snip: "The 2022 '1099R Statements of Annuity Paid' are now available. ..."

Reference: Federal Retiree
Taxes for Federal Retirees,1099-R,Postal Retirees,


Sunday, January 22, 2023

Trump: ‘Under no circumstances’ should Republicans cut Social Security or Medicare

Title: Trump: ‘Under no circumstances’ should Republicans cut Social Security or Medicare

Article Snip: "...“Under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security to help pay for Joe Biden’s reckless spending spree, which is more reckless than anybody’s ever done or had in the history of our country,” Trump said in a recorded video statement posted to Truth Social. The former president, who in November launched a 2024 White House campaign, called for cuts to a slew of other areas, including funding for “corrupt foreign countries,” “climate extremism,” “left-wing gender programs from our military” and “waste, fraud and abuse everywhere we can find it.”..."

Reference: yahoo.com
Trump and Social Security,debt ceiling,Democrats will force Republicans to Shutdown Government on Debt Ceiling Fight, Democrat Pork and the Debt Ceiling,

How early can I apply if I want to draw Social Security at age 62?

Title: How early can I apply if I want to draw Social Security at age 62?

Article Snip: "...You can apply for retirement benefits up to four months before you want to start receiving your benefits. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. ..."

Reference: ssa.gov
How early can I apply if I want to draw Social Security at age 62?

How many years must you have worked to apply for Social Security benefits?

Title: How many years must you have worked to apply for Social Security benefits?

Article Snip: "...The Social Security Administration was established in 1935 to provide financial support for retired workers who contributed to the program through taxes on earned income. Additional programs have been added over the years to cover benefits for disability, survivors and those with limited financial means. While the standard amount of credits a worker must obtain to apply for retirement benefits is 40, each program has its own requirements. Here’s a look at how long you need to work in order to qualify for Social Security benefits. ..."

Reference: as.com
Social Security

Friday, January 20, 2023

What is the federal government's new retirement program?

Title: What is the federal government's new retirement program?

Article Snip: "...Under the new program, the federal government will deposit a 50% match on up to $2,000 of a worker’s contribution to a workplace or individual retirement account — a maximum of $1,000 per person. Eligibility is based on income, and the match is reduced over certain limits. ..."

Reference: www.seattletimes.com
federal government's new retirement program, Saver’s Credit,Secure 2.0,


Monday, January 16, 2023

Want that $7,500 EV tax break? Why buyers need to talk with an accountant and not just a car dealer

Title: Want that $7,500 EV tax break? Why buyers need to talk with an accountant and not just a car dealer

Article Snip: "...Consumers considering electric vehicles, solar panels or other home energy efficiency upgrades should do some tax planning before making big-ticket purchases ...Want that $7,500 EV tax break? Why buyers need to talk with an accountant and not just a car dealer /tt>"

Reference: www.marketwatch.com
Tesla, Tax Credit, EV tax break,Taxes in Retirement,


Sunday, January 15, 2023

Which state is the worst to retire? You guessed it, California

Title: California ranked one of the worst places in US to retire, study says

Article Snip: "...Blacktower Financial Management Group ranked every state in the U.S. based on several factors, including cost of living, crime, and life expectancy. ..."

Reference:
Worst State to Retire (California),


Friday, January 13, 2023

Average Retirement Income 2022: How Do You Compare?

Title: Average Retirement Income 2022: How Do You Compare?

Article Snip: "...The numbers you will review below represent both mean (average) and median income. Median income is closer to the reality for most households of retirement age. ...Average Household Retirement Income 2022 is $...down from $56,632 in 2019..."

Reference: www.newretirement.com
Median vs Mean,Average Household Retirement Income 2022,


Saturday, January 7, 2023

Oversight of Federal Employment, Retirement Issues Ahead

Title: Oversight of Federal Employment, Retirement Issues Ahead

Article Snip: "...“Republicans will return the Oversight Committee to its primary duty to root out waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in the federal government and hold the Biden Administration accountable,” he said in a statement. Those priorities will include, he said, Biden family business dealings, immigration, the origins of Covid-19, the withdrawal from Afghanistan and how pandemic relief funds were spent. Not a word about federal employees and retirees, except indirectly in a reference to making the government “more efficient, effective, transparent, and accountable to the American people.”..."

Reference: www.fedweek.com
Biden family business dealings, Hold the Biden Administration accountable, Immigration ,retirees,


Thursday, December 29, 2022

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

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

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

Reference: www.cnbc.com


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Retired Postal Worker’s Poem Reflects on Service with USPS

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

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

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


Tuesday, December 27, 2022

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

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

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

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


Will Social Security be taxed when I retire?

Title: Will Social Security be taxed when I retire?

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

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


The Downsides of Retirement That Nobody Talks About

Title: The Downsides of Retirement That Nobody Talks About

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

Reference: www.gobankingrates.com
Downsides of Retirement


Average Social Security Benefit for 2023

Title: Average Social Security Benefit for 2023

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

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


OPM Retirement Center

Title: OPM Retirement Center

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

Reference: www.opm.gov
OPM Retirement Center