Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past | Paperback

Title: Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past | Paperback

Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past |  Paperback
Article Snip: "...Written with elegance, warmth, and humor, this highly original "teaching memoir" by William Zinsser--renowned bestselling author of On Writing Well gives you the tools to organize and recover your past, and the confidence to believe in your life narrative. His method is to take you on a memoir of his own: 13 chapters in which he recalls dramatic, amusing, and often surprising moments in his long and varied life as a writer, editor, teacher, and traveler. Along the way, Zinsser pauses to explain the technical decisions he made as he wrote about his life. They are the same decisions you'll have to make as you write about your own life: matters of selection, condensation, focus, attitude, voice, and tone. ..."

Reference: Amazon
Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past






Monday, January 1, 2024

Federal Retirement: How to register for a LOGIN.gov account through services online

Title: How to register for a LOGIN.gov account

How to register for a LOGIN.gov account
Article Snip: The public’s one account for government. Use one account and password for secure, private access to participating government agencies. You must have a LOGIN.gov account to login for OPM Services Online for OPM pension actions. You can use the same username and password to access any agency that partners with Login.gov. This streamlines your process and eliminates the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords.

Login.gov is used to secure your account when you apply for:

Federal jobs (USAJOBS - Office of Personnel Management)
Global Entry (Trusted Traveler Programs - Department of Homeland Security)
Small business loans and disaster assistance (Small Business Administration)
And more…

""

Reference: YouTube
How to register for a LOGIN.gov account






Friday, December 29, 2023

Equal COLA Act Needed as Federal Retirees Continue to Get Different COLA Rates

Title: Equal COLA Act Needed as Federal Retirees Continue to Get Different COLA Rates

Article Snip: "Social Security beneficiaries and Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) retirees are expected to receive a 3.2% COLA for 2024, while Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirees, those hired in 1984 or later, will only see a diet COLA of 2.2%.

That’s because of the way COLA is calculated for FERS.

Under current law, the COLAs for Social Security, CSRS, and FERS are all calculated based on the rate of inflation as measured by...
"



Reference: www.afge.org
Equal COLA Act Needed,Age-Based Discrimination in COLA application (FERS vs CSRS),FERS vs,CSRS vs FERS,






Bidenflation Archives

Title: Bidenflation Archives

Article Snip: "...From denying inflation and claiming it was “temporary,” to passing the buck with “Putin’s Price Hike,” the White House and congressional Democrats are out of touch with the challenges Americans face. The typical family now has to spend $450 more per month to buy the same goods and services they did a year ago, prompting more Americans to rely on loans and credit cards to make ends meet, even as the Federal Reserve makes borrowing more expensive. ..."

Reference: waysandmeans.house.gov
Bidenflation Archives, Bidenflation,Inflation,






For Three Years Biden Has Forgotten Social Security Retirees While Favoring Illegals

Title: Biden's 2020 Promised Lies for Social Security That Never Happened

Article Snip: "He would expand some benefits while not reducing any, reducing economic hardship. ...Biden would raise benefits for long-term low-wage workers, widow(er)s from dual earner-couples, caregivers, government workers, and long-term beneficiaries. My colleagues and I have long argued for increasing Social Security benefits for people..."

Reference: www.taxpolicycenter.org
Social Security, Biden's Lies,Biden Legacy,Destruction of Retirees,






Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Facing Financial Ruin as Costs Soar for Elder Care

Title: Facing Financial Ruin as Costs Soar for Elder Care

Article Snip: "...daunting life choices — and potential financial ruin — as the escalating costs of in-home care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes devour the savings and incomes of older Americans and their relatives. “People are exposed to the possibility of depleting almost all their wealth,” said Richard Johnson, director of the program on retirement policy at the Urban Institute. The prospect of dying broke looms as an imminent threat for the boomer generation..."

Reference: nmindepth.com






Thursday, December 21, 2023

‘No greater honor’: Federal retirees proud of public service in survey

Title: ‘No greater honor’: Federal retirees proud of public service in survey

Article Snip: "“My dad [imparted to us] from the time we were little on that this nation educated us. This nation gave us all kinds of privileges. With that came responsibilities of giving back as much as you could,” said the second-generation American. Taska Elin, a veteran and a retired federal firefighter of nearly 30 years with the Navy... About 35% worked in defense-related agencies, and a third said they also received veterans benefits..."

Reference: www.federaltimes.com
Serving America, Patriots, Public Service, Federal retirees,






Tuesday, December 19, 2023

‘Unconscionable’: Baby boomers in America are becoming homeless at a rate ‘not seen since the Great Depression’

Title: ‘Unconscionable’: Baby boomers in America are becoming homeless at a rate ‘not seen since the Great Depression’

Article Snip: "...Many baby boomers across the country are now coming to terms with the hard reality that working for your entire adult life is no longer enough to guarantee you’ll have a roof over your head in your later years. ...the over-50 demographic represents half of the homeless single adults in the U.S. — with no sign of their numbers slowing, leaving baby boomers (those aged 57 to 75) particularly vulnerable. “Elderly homelessness has been rare within the contemporary homeless problem. We’ve always had very few people over 60 who’ve been homeless historically. ...older adults on fixed incomes are struggling to scrounge up what they need to cover basic necessities."

Reference: yahoo.com
Bidenomics,Inflation is destroying Social Security recipients,Destruction of Seniors,Destruction of the Working Class,






Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Learn Origami | Easy Origami: over 30 simple projects

Title: Learn Origami | Easy Origami: over 30 simple projects

Easy Origami: over 30 simple projects
Article Snip: "Created by origami master John Montroll, this easy and fun collection of 32 simple projects with step-by-step instructions is perfect for the beginner origami hobbyist.

Discover the wonderful world of origami with this traditional Japanese collection of 32 simple projects, perfect for novice origami hobbyists. Clearly illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions make even the most challenging projects achievable. Start with basic items like a hat, cup, and pinwheel, and work your way up to projects like a penguin, pelican, and piano. Also included are figures of a swan, lantern, cicada, pigeon, fox, rabbit, and other popular origami subjects. By completing these projects, you'll be on your way to mastering the fascinating ancient art of origami, which has been around since the invention of paper itself. No matter your level of expertise in origami crafting, Easy Origami makes it possible for anyone to create beautiful artwork in an enjoyable and fulfilling way. ...
"



Reference: Amazon
Learning,Education,Hobby, Art, Origami,Things to do in retirement,Gift Ideas, Books,Amazon,






Unable to Travel? Ride along with youtuber 'RVerTV' and travel the country

Article Title: Unable to Travel? Ride along with youtuber 'RVerTV' and travel the country

RVerTV
While searching for articles that might be of interest to retirees, we ran across RVerTV on youtube. This gentleman travels the country and keeps the camera on while doing so. The videos give great insight to places you might want to visit in your retirement travels. Additionally, economically or physically, you may not be able to travel, if that is the case, go to youtube and ride along for beautiful views of America.

Reference Source: RVerTV

Monday, November 27, 2023

Will the Stock Market Dip Once Boomers Take Out Retirement? Here’s What Experts Say

Title: Will the Stock Market Dip Once Boomers Take Out Retirement? Here’s What Experts Say

Article Snip: "...Boomers — individuals born between 1946 and 1964 — represent 21% of the U.S. population, according to Axios. And as The Washington Post reported, from now until 2030, 10,000 baby boomers each day will hit retirement age. In turn, this has had and will continue to have many ramifications for the economy. ..."

Reference: yahoo.com
Baby Boomers






Thursday, November 16, 2023

Meet the postal worker, 90, who has no plans to retire and 'turn into a couch potato'


Meet the postal worker, 90, who has no plans to retire and 'turn into a couch potato'


'Leroy Brown was just about to start his career with the United States Postal Service. His first day: Dec. 31, 1955. ...He's still going strong, working in the Los Angeles International Service Center, a USPS processing center. The 90-year-old is in his 70th year of service to the federal government, including a two-year stint in the U.S. Army...Retirement doesn't seem to be in the nonagenarian's plans. He's healthy, he's active, he loves being around other people and, well, he's not really sure what he'd do anyway. "I don't want to turn into a couch potato," Brown said. "I don't just want to sit around in one place."...'


Reference: www.jsonline.com
Tags: ...a retired postal worker,Postal Retirement, 70 years of Federal Service,Leroy Brown, Retirement,


Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Retired postal worker wins lottery again!

Racetrax Lottery game delivers big win to retired postal worker from Hagerstown

Maryland Lottery
From the article: "...The retired U.S. Postal Service employee and U.S. Army veteran has visited Lottery headquarters several times with winning tickets over the years, but those past wins pale in comparison to the better than $100,000 he just won, according to a news release from the Lottery. ..."


Article Reference: yahoo.com
Lottery Winner,retired postal worker,Maryland Lottery,

Monday, November 13, 2023

Bidenomics Fail | Moody’s Cuts Outlook on U.S. Credit Rating

Title: Moody’s Cuts Outlook on U.S. Credit Rating

Article Snip: "...Investors Service changed its outlook on the U.S.’s credit rating to negative from stable late Friday. The ratings firm cited the federal deficit as a “key driver” behind the action. ..."

Reference:
Bidenomics,U.S. Credit Rating, Federal Deficit (2023), Moody’s,






The Average Retiree Spends $4,345 on Monthly Expenses

Title: The Average Retiree Spends $4,345 on Monthly Expenses

Article Snip: "...Health spending makes up $7,030 in annual spending for retirees. One way to cut costswhen health issues arise is to get easily affordable preventative care. That means staying up to date on screenings and vaccinations. Exercise also appears in study after study as a top measure to lower the risk of many diseases. Even an...average American 65 years of age and up earns an annual pre-tax income of $55,335, and that same group spends $52,141 yearly, or $4,345 a month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)."

Reference: moneywise.com
Average Retiree Expenses (2023 Article)






How Big Is the Average Social Security Check of a Middle-Class Retiree?

Title: How Big Is the Average Social Security Check of a Middle-Class Retiree?

Article Snip: "...As of 2022, the median household income in the U.S. was $74,580, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Assuming a middle-class retiree earned this salary and retired at age 65 — specifically 65 and 11 months — their Social Security benefit would be..."

Reference: www.aol.com
Average Social Security Check (Middle-Class Retiree),






AARP Massachusetts Backs Bill That Would Pay Spouses for Caregiving

Title: AARP Massachusetts Backs Bill That Would Pay Spouses for Caregiving

Article Snip: "... AARP Massachusetts is urging state lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow people to hire their spouse as a caregiver and pay them through the state’s Medicaid program. Bay State residents can already be reimbursed for working as a caregiver to a family member through a waiver from the federal government, but spouses are not eligible. AARP Massachusetts submitted written testimony this month in favor of legislation that would broaden the definition of a family member to include a husband or wife...."

Reference: aarp.org
Caregiving






Social Security and VA benefits will Continue in a Government Shutdown (video)

Title: Another government shutdown looms: Would it impact Social Security, VA benefits?

Article Snip: "...We are again just days away from a possible government shutdown, which may leave you worried about how it could impact you. ..."

Reference: yahoo.com
Government Shutdown,social security,VA benefits,






Funeral directors share 7 rules of etiquette and their biggest pet peeves they wish everyone knew

Title: Funeral directors share 7 rules of etiquette and their biggest pet peeves they wish everyone knew

Article Snip: "...If you've never been to a funeral, or been in charge of planning one, it may be confusing to know what to do or what to expect.

Insider asked funeral directors to share their top etiquette rules and common pet peeves that they wish more people knew. ...
"

Reference: www.businessinsider.nl
Funeral Planning,






Potential Breakthrough Study Finds Cancer 'Kill Switch'

Title: Potential Breakthrough Study Finds Cancer 'Kill Switch'

Article Snip: "...Researchers at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center have located a "kill switch" that can trigger the death of cancer cells. They identified a protein on the CD95 receptor, which is part of a cell's communication system, that can "program" cancer cells to die. This significant discovery was detailed in a study published in the journal "Cell Death & Differentiation." ..."

Reference: www.newsmax.com
Cancer, Health,






Tuesday, November 7, 2023

TV Ears Wireless Headset System

Title: TV Ears Wireless Headset System

TV Ears Wireless Headset System
Article Snip: "...TV Ears Wireless Headset System; Elevate your TV-watching experience with TV Ears Original Wireless Headset System. This analog headset is designed for seniors and those with hearing impairments, it delivers crystal-clear audio for peaceful viewing. ..."

Reference:Amazon
TV Ears,






Here's the Social Security Benefit Check Retirees Can Expect at Different Income Levels

Title: Here's the Social Security Benefit Check Retirees Can Expect at Different Income Levels

Article Snip: "Social Security benefits are meant to replace about 40% of pre-retirement earnings for the average worker,...Low-income worker: $16,623 ($1,385 per month)...High-income worker: $36,283 ($3,024 per month)"

Reference: www.fool.com






CMS.GOV | 2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles

Title: 2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles

Article Snip: "...On October 12, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2024 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts. ...Each year, the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to provisions of the Social Security Act. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $174.70 for 2024, an increase of $9.80 from $164.90 in 2023. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $240 in 2024, an increase of $14 from the annual deductible of $226 in 2023. "

Reference: www.cms.gov
2024,Medicare,Reading,Education,






Weekly US Map: Influenza Summary Update

Title: Weekly US Map: Influenza Summary Update

Article Snip: "...A Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report Prepared by the Influenza Division
Outpatient Respiratory Illness Activity Map Determined by Data Reported to ILINet

This system monitors visits for respiratory illness that includes fever plus a cough or sore throat, also referred to as ILI, not laboratory confirmed influenza and may capture patient visits due to other respiratory pathogens that cause similar symptoms. ...
"

Reference: www.cdc.gov
Influenza (Flu) Update, Influenza Division of the CDC






CDC to expand disease surveillance at airports

Title: CDC to expand disease surveillance at airports

Article Snip: "...the seven major airports in the United States participating in its disease surveillance program. The agency will now test for more than 30 pathogens at Boston..."

Reference: www.kplctv.com
CDC,Retirement Travel,travel,






Monday, November 6, 2023

Social Security recipients struggle to pay back agency after unexpected overpayments

Title: Social Security recipients struggle to pay back agency after unexpected overpayments

Article Snip: "...about a million people getting billed each year over miscalculated payments from the Social Security Administration. Retirees and disabled workers are being told to pay up, and it often doesn't matter whether they're at fault or not. ..."

Reference: www.cbsnews.com
Overpayment by Social Security,






What will the maximum full-age Social Security retirement benefit be in 2024?

Title: What will the maximum full-age Social Security retirement benefit be in 2024?

Article Snip: "...The SSA has published the maximum monthly benefit Social Security recipients can expect to receive if they choose to retire at their ‘full retirement age. ...a 3.2% increase in payments will see the average retiree receive $1,907 in 2024. ...The highest possible monthly payment for an American who retires at this point will be $..."

Reference: as.com
Earned Benefit, Social Security, Maximum full-age Social Security retirement benefit be in 2024,






Thursday, November 2, 2023

Social Security Cuts: 4 Programs and Services for Boomers Struggling in Retirement

Title: Social Security Cuts: 4 Programs and Services for Boomers Struggling in Retirement

Article Snip: "...As baby boomers age into retirement, many find their financial outlook a little more uncertain than they had hoped. For several years, Congress has debated cuts to Social Security programs that could reduce or close certain services and benefits many boomers rely on. In this article, we’ll discuss potential cuts to Social Security and look at some programs and services that can provide much-needed assistance. With so much uncertainty about Social Security’s future, now is arguably an even more critical time than ever to become familiar with these proposed changes — and plan accordingly...."

Reference: www.gobankingrates.com
Social Security, Boomers Struggling in Retirement, Biden Vs. Social Security,






Why Some Retirees Won’t Get the Full 3.2% Social Security COLA Next Year

Title: Why Some Retirees Won’t Get the Full 3.2% Social Security COLA Next Year

Article Snip: "...not all COLAs are created equal. Although it was announced in October that Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 3.2% COLA increase next year, most retired federal workers will receive just a 2.2% raise. ..."

Reference: www.newsobserver.com
Social Security COLA 2024






Tuesday, October 31, 2023

How About Social Security Recipients Joe? Biden Backed UAW Workers 25% Pay Increases While Veterans and Social Security Recipients Struggle to Survive

Article Title: Biden speaks with UAW head after tentative deals struck with Big Three

Article Excerpt: "Biden, who had appeared with striking autoworkers in Michigan in September, called it a “hard-fought agreement” that was reached after weeks of “good faith” negotiations. ...members, would include a 25 percent general pay increase over the course of a four-year contract, increased retirement benefits and more paid leave. ..."

Reference Source: www.valleycentral.com






Monday, October 23, 2023

Here's what 'wealthy' means in 2023 America, in five numbers

Title: Here's what 'wealthy' means in 2023 America, in five numbers

Article Snip: "What does it take to be wealthy in 2023?...Here, then, are five numbers that illustrate what it means to be wealthy in America today. ..."

Reference: www.usatoday.com






Sunday, October 22, 2023

Congratulations on your upcoming federal retirement!

Title: Congratulations on your upcoming federal retirement!

Article Snip: "...The Retirement Quick Guide will walk you through what to expect as your retirement application is processed and your benefits are determined. The printable version of this guide includes estimated timelines. ..."

Reference: www.opm.gov






Tuesday, October 17, 2023

$500m Alzheimer's drug scandal: NY scientist behind NIH-funded therapy busted for allegedly manipulating data in 20 research papers - now there are calls for trials to be cut off

Title: $500m Alzheimer's drug scandal: NY scientist behind NIH-funded therapy busted for allegedly manipulating data in 20 research papers - now there are calls for trials to be cut off

Article Snip: "...Scientists are calling for stage 3 clinical trials of an Alzheimer's drug to be scrapped after a report highlighted serious doubts about the legitimacy of research that helped the medicine reach that stage. A long-awaited report by the City University of New York (CUNY) accused one of its faculty members, neuroscientist Hoau-Yan Wang, of egregious misconduct concerning 20 research papers — defined as workplace behavior so outrageous, dangerous, or illegal that an employer cannot reasonably expect to correct it through progressive discipline. ..."

Reference: www.dailymail.co.uk






Monday, October 16, 2023

Should you get a COVID booster? Here are 7 things to consider.

Title: Should you get a COVID booster? Here are 7 things to consider.

Article Snip: "...An updated COVID-19 vaccine has been available since last month and more than 7 million Americans have gotten boosted since then. But many people are still on the fence about whether and when to get a shot. Experts say when and whether to get a COVID booster should depend on your health status, risk tolerance, timing of last infection and other personal factors..."

Reference: www.usatoday.com






(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Friday, October 13, 2023

Many federal retirees to receive 3.2% in 2024 COLA, but not everyone gets the same adjustment

Title: Many federal retirees to receive 3.2% in 2024 COLA, but not everyone gets the same adjustment

Article Snip: "But like every year, not all federal retirees will receive the full 2024 COLA. Depending on the system under which a federal employee retires, the exact 2024 COLA amount varies. ...Based on these calculations, FERS retirees will receive a 2.2% COLA starting in January. ..."

Reference: federalnewsnetwork.com
Age-Based Discrimination in COLA application (FERS vs CSRS),CSRS vs FERS,COLA 2024,






2024 CSRS COLA for federal retirees will be 3.2%, Social...

Title: 2024 COLA for federal retirees will be 3.2%, Social...

Article Snip: "...Retirees to see smaller Social Security COLA boost as inflation...Those under FERS get the full amount if the CPI-W increase is less than 2%. If it increased between 2% and 3%, the COLA is a flat rate of 2%. If it increased more than 3%, the COLA is the value of the CPI-W minus one. "

Reference: www.federaltimes.com
Inflation,2024 COLA for federal retirees,






U.S. Federal Government Employee Lookup

Title: U.S. Federal Government Employee Lookup

Article Snip: "Find the average salaries and salaries of most federal employees across all agencies and occupations in 2022. Search by name, year, title, agency, or state and view the top 100..."

Reference: www.federalpay.org
U.S. Federal Government Employee Lookup, Federal Employee Pay Lookup,






Tuesday, October 10, 2023

US households can now order four FREE Covid tests from the government – latest guidelines

Title: US households can now order four free Covid tests from the government – latest guidelines

Article Snip: "...New Covid boosters from Pfizer and Moderna are now available at pharmacies nationwide, and the US has restarted its free Covid test program. Tests can be ordered from COVIDTests.gov; you can order four per household. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are recommending one dose of the updated vaccine for everyone six months and older in the US..."

Reference: www.independent.co.uk
FREE Covid tests






Tuesday, October 3, 2023

OPM | Federal Retirement FAQ

Title: OPM | Federal Retirement FAQ

Article Snip: "...Retire FAQ, Court-Ordered Benefits, Former Spouses, New Retirees, Post-Retirement, Services Online, Family Benefits..."

Reference: www.opm.gov
OPM | Federal Retirement FAQ






Thursday, September 28, 2023

Would retired federal workers still be paid during a government shutdown? Yes

https://www.10tv.com/article/news/verify/shutdown-verify/retired-federal-workers-still-paid-pensions-government-shutdown/536-10deb94f-74a0-4267-aca0-b6bf7becf11c

Title: Yes, retired federal workers would still be paid during a government shutdown

Article Snip: "... The U.S. is heading toward a federal government shutdown that could delay paychecks for many federal workers if Congress fails to pass a funding plan by Sept. 30. Many VERIFY readers have questions about the potential shutdown, including whether retired federal workers would still receive their retirement checks. ..."

Reference: www.10tv.com
Would retired federal workers still be paid during a government shutdown? Yes