Poverty is commonplace in the U.S. It's perhaps shocking to hear that in the richest country in the world, about 38 million residents live in poverty (U.S. Census). January is Poverty Awareness month, a time to spread the word about crisis of poverty in America.
Moreover, about 23% of Americans over age 65 live in poverty, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Ways you can help: donate to support groups, volunteer your time to anti-poverty organizations and back efforts to fight poverty among seniors and all Americans.
Senior poverty exists despite "safety nets" provided by Social Security, Medicare and more.
Every year the General Enrollment Period (GEP) for Medicare occurs between January 1 and March 31.
This is the time, usually the only time, when people who are eligible for Parts A and/or B can join if they did not do so previously. Coverage starts the month after you sign up.
You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty if you don't qualify for a "Special Enrollment Period."
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium is $174.70 in 2024, an increase of $9.80 from $164.90 in 2023. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B enrollees in 2024 will be $240, an increase of $14 from the 2023 deductible of $226.
Many older people see volunteering as a great way to utilize their spare time.
But are there advantages to volunteering in addition to good feelings? Yes, there are possible federal tax benefits for your efforts. You can deduct the expenses you incur while volunteering or traveling to and from the volunteer assignment.
Among other possible savings, gas mileage, public transportation costs, and airfare or train travel to volunteer destinations or conferences can all be deducted. Meals and lodging for some volunteer assignments may also be deducted. Check with your tax preparer for details.
Do you enjoy the thrill of "swooshing" down a ski slope or sliding on a trail?
Well, reports say that thousands of people 60 and over love to ski.
And, in fact, statistics show that about a quarter of cross-country skiers are 50 plus. (Seniors Skiing).
The benefits of skiing are great for your physical, mental, social and emotional health. The key is to be prepared and know your limits so you can enjoy the sport safely (Freedom Village).
A virtual currency is a digital representation of value only available electronically. It’s stored and transacted through designated software, mobile, or computer applications.
"Visibility" is used to show the extent to which a company's management or analysts can estimate future performance. Visibility can range from low to high or from the near term to the long-term.
Vertical analysis is a method of financial statement analysis in which each line item is listed as a percentage of a base figure within the statement.
Vetting is the process of thoroughly investigating an individual, company, or other entity before deciding to go forward with a joint project.
Here's a Spanish delight - delicious and flavorful chorizo, stuffed in sweet dates, and wrapped with crispy, salty bacon!
INGREDIENTS:
For roasted peppers sauce:
For chorizo-stuffed dates:
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the sauce: Heat oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Cook, stirring, until tender, 2-3 min. Add roasted red bell peppers and the juice from the jar and continue to cook, stirring, for 3-4 more min. Add canned tomatoes, vinegar and bring to a simmer. Once simmering rapidly, reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook, simmering, while you prepare and bake the dates.
Stuff the dates: Open dates so they can easily be stuffed. Place about 1/2 tbsp of the chorizo in the cavity of the date. Wrap with bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Place on the prepared baking sheet and continue until all of the dates are prepared. Move the dates to the oven and cook until the chorizo is cooked through, 12-15 min. Turn the oven on high broil until bacon is crisp, another 2-4 min. Transfer sauce to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Cover, warm, until dates are done.
To serve, spoon and spread sauce across the bottom of a serving platter. Place chorizo stuffed dates on top and garnish with parsley.
On January 5, 1925, Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming became the first female governor inaugurated in the U.S.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average first topped the 2,000 mark on January 8, 1987.
On January 16, 1547 - Ivan the Terrible had himself officially crowned as the first Russian Czar.
January 20, 1945 - Franklin Delano Roosevelt was inaugurated to an unprecedented fourth term as president of the United States
January Birthdays: George Washington Carver (January 1), David Bowie (4), Dolly Parton (19). Oprah Winfrey (29)
Quote of the Month
“No one's ever achieved financial fitness with a January resolution that's abandoned by February.”
- Suze Orman
Let me help you take the next step for a more financially secure future.
Call or Text: (412) 897-0760
Email: brian.goldman@successfs.com
