Do Pets Assist us in retirement?

Wow! It has been a long day! Helped mom with errands ! The cool floor feels good. Hope she wants to rest. Have brought her the ball a lot today. Mom loves to play with my toys!


I live in a neighborhood where there are quite a few retirees including me.  More and more of these forever young people are out at 6:30 am walking a dog.  I now must time or schedule my walks with my dog, Rusty to avoid a dog traffic jam.  What a great thing to have a reason to get out and walk in  rain or shine.  A pet provides a living thing to  talk to, feed, and comfort.  I know there are studies that support the benefit of pets and I usually cite sources.  Today I decided not to.  I will say from experience that I have a purpose because of my pet.  I eat regularly and exercise because of my pet's schedule.  He even lets me know it is time for a regular bedtime.  Some time ago I overheard one of my grown sons say to someone, "Mom got a dog and it changed her life!"
What is your experience?  Please share with us.  

Immigration Reform and the Fair Tax

Allowing Tax Restructure to Welcome Immigration Reform

This is a repost of a blog I published in January.  I felt it was a good time to repost.

I am a believer in working with what one has at the moment.  We now are on our way to immigration reform.  It appears that many are worried about the cost to the state and federal budgets in regards to healthcare and assistance to these new immigrants.  This could be a win-win situation if the changes were linked to Tax Reform.  Tax reform hopefully will be on an upcoming agenda for change.  It could be an incentive to welcome immigration reform.  The tax could be changed to a consumption tax that exempts essentials such as food and healthcare.  I am not referring to a value added tax or VAT such as exists in Europe which is in addition to the income tax.  I am referring to no income tax and other current taxes but a consumption tax only.  Everyone pays but essentials as mentioned above are exempt.  Those worrying about the cost of immigration reform would no longer have an argument.  The new immigrants would be paying for themselves.  There are several suggested plans circulating for consideration.  One is the Fair Tax (Amadeo, 2011).  I have included the reference below with pros and cons for that particular suggestion. Do review.  There are other formats of consumption taxes besides the Fair Tax. I do feel a consumption tax could solve the budgetary worries of the immigration reform better than a flat tax as some are suggesting for tax reform.  Why not solve two concerns with one movement?  What suggestions or leverage could be waged to tie these together?

 

Amdeo, K. (2011, November 30). Fair Tax. Retrieved January 5, 2015, from http://useconomy.about.com/od/fiscalpolicy/p/Fair_Tax.htm

 

Retiringprof: Arranging Medicare, Supplements and Extras.

Retiringprof: Arranging Medicare, Supplements and Extras.: It was a long winter as I prepared enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B.  That hurdle must be jumped before the pursuit of a supplement or f...

Arranging Medicare, Supplements and Extras.

It was a long winter as I prepared enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B.  That hurdle must be jumped before the pursuit of a supplement or for some an advantage plan can be complete.  Along with that search the Medicare Part D policy is chosen.

For Medicare A, B and D, be aware the Social Security Administration does look at the income from two years previous.  One may receive a letter that they will owe an extra premium for Part B if over certain income.  A trip to the Social Security office with proof one is either now retired and/or has a reduction in income usually will suffice for an adjustment.  The new letter voiding the need for the extra premium arrives in about 14 days.  Most employees at the local Social Security offices are quite helpful in assisting with filing for this adjustment.

Medicare Supplements are quite the same except for a slight variation in price.  There are several plans they most companies feature.  I went with a plan F.  I chose an insurance provider that had carried my employer based insurance.  They also offered a Part D plan that was basic and affordable. Part D is the prescription drug plan. Those on quite a few medicines should talk with their local pharmacy about a plan that covers their menu of medications.  There is a lot of variation in the coverage from company to company with Part D.

Extras comprises plans for dental and vision coverage.  I am not sure if that is cost effective but I took one.   I will make a  different decision in the October open enrollment period if I am spending more on this than I would pay for dental, eye exam and contact lenses.  Some of these plans also offer a gym membership.  I found the gyms were not in close proximity to my home and the gym I did go to is not on the list.
I do recommend getting the materials and reading carefully the items covered.  Compare your own lifestyle to what needs you may have.  An example would be extended travel. Some policies have better coverage for out of area health needs  than others if traveling is  something you plan to do .
Those interested in a Medicare Advantage plan should search several sources.  These plans are all inclusive with the above type coverage.  Many times there is little to no premium but the coverage can be more restrictive.  Another source might be better for that information.