Feds Get Raise – Seniors Don’t!
Hi Folks,
Those of you who are regular readers of this blog know that I generally stick to the “positive side” of things. I believe there is more than enough negative talk out there without my adding more however I just received an email with, what I consider, negaitive news that I feel I should pass along to you:
President Obama recently approved a 2% salary increase for all federal employees effective January 1, 2010. Members of the executive, legislative and judicial branch are due for an automatic pay increase in January as well. All this on the backs of seniors who will not incur any COLA increases for several years.
For the first time in history, the Congress will not allow an increase in the social security COLA (cost of living adjustment). In fact, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation predicts there may not be any COLA for the next three years. However, the per person monthly Medicare insurance premium will be increased from the 2009 premium of $96.40 to $104.20 in 2010 and to $120.20 for the year 2011.
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS Tags: INFORMED SENIORS
Be Cautious About Giving Info To Census Workers
Hi Folks,
With the U.S. Census process beginning, The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victum of fraud or identity theft.
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data. The big question is – how do you tell the difference between a U.U. Census worker and a con artist. The Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org/us/consumers/) offers the following advice. To read the entire article go to http://www.bbb.org/us/article/bbb-alerts-consumers-about-us-census-workers-be-cooperative-but-cautious-10306 .
• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS Tags: 2010 U.S. Census
Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment
Hi Folks,
Those of you that have visited my website very often know that I generally stick to the positive side of retirement and senior living but I am so upset with that bunch in Washington that I may change my website policy. Our elected officials and their hired hands are failing us at every turn but continue to treat themselves like kings and queens.
Take for instance the social security cost of living adjustment:
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS Tags: Social Security cost of living adjustment
Durable Power of Attorney – Why This Form May Be More Important Than Your Will
Hi Neighbors,
I talked about Durable Power of Attorneys a few month back but because it is so important, I thought it would be good if we revisited the subject again.
Today’s author, Kathy Lane, does an excellent job of explaining why a Durable Power of Attorney is so important. Please, for your families sake and your piece of mind, read this article and if you do not have a Durable Power of Attorney, get one right away.
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS Tags: Durable Power of Attorney
Surviving the economic roller coaster: 10+ tips
Hi Folks,
Well, it’s possible that we are coming out of this latest economic meltdown. How many of these things have we lived through? Seven, I think.
I am not the negative type, but I am realistic enough to know that this will not be our last financial crisis. No matter what the politicians say, there will be another downturn. Will you be ready? Or will you be joining the other millions saying that the world is going to hell in a handbasket. Let’s considering puting our finances and our lives in order so that we are better prepared for the next financial flop.
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS, THRIFTY SENIORS Tags: financial planning
How to Survive a Retired Husband
Hi Folks,
I have an article by Cathy Severson for you today. Cathy has brightened our pages several times, always with insight and wisdom.
Today’s article may touch a few raw nerves. If so, good! We can all learn from our own and other peoples mistakes.
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS Tags: RETIREMENT LIVING
Tips to protect your pet from summer heat
Hi Folks,
Pets are so important to so many seniors that I’m supprised I haven’t talked about them before. Truth is, I hadn’t thought about it.
Janie and I lost out little dog, Cricket, a few years ago and I don’t believe that a day goes by that we don’t remember something about the little guy. He was a part of our family for almost 17 years and he is still sorely missed.
Pets are easy to mistreat, I guess a lot of folks are just thoughtless about animals. A couple years ago my neighbor’s golden retriever suffered a heat stroke from being left outside in 100 + degree weather. They didn’t deliberately mistreat their dog, they just didn’t think about it being so hot outside.
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS Tags: caring for your dog in summer
Free Computer Help
Hi Folks,
Are you one of the multitude of people who use a computer but are technically challenged when it comes to understanding and fixing them? Then I have really great news for you.
Here are two internet sites that offer free advise on fixing your computer and gaining a better understanding of the little guy. Pull these sites up and look around a bit, then bookmark them so that when you have a question or a problem you will know exactly where to go to get help. . . . And share this information with your friends.
www.computerhope.com and www.techguy.org
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS Tags:
Five Signs of a Stroke
Hi Folks,
I generally leave the negative side of aging to other senior/retirement bloggers but I’m making an exception with today’s post.
We have all heard the five signs of a stroke many times but somtimes a reminder is a good thing.
Commit these five signs to memory, discuss them with your friends, tape them to your bathroom mirrow. Read more…
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS Tags: signs of a stroke
Financial Exploitation of Senior Citizens
Hi Folks,
Presently I’m putting together a website about Identity Theft and ways to protect yourself. I’ll have the site up and running in the next few days and will give you the URL, but meanwhile building a website of this nature takes a lot of work – researching, reading and writing.
Today while rummaging through the vast information library called the internet I run across the following article about the financial exploitation of seniors. In my opinion, it takes the scum of the earth to pray on the old and feeble but I’m afraid there is lots of scum out there so be very cautious. Keep watch over aging relatives and friends, you may prevent them from suffering a lot of humiliation, hurt and financial ruin.
Categories: INFORMED SENIORS Tags: exploitation of seniors
