Sunday, December 22

Author: Grace Thompson

Rare Washington Error Coin Sold for $300: Do You Have One in Your Pocket?
US News

Rare Washington Error Coin Sold for $300: Do You Have One in Your Pocket?

Did you know that a Washington quarter in your spare change could be worth hundreds of dollars? A recent eBay auction saw a 1983 Washington quarter with a unique minting error sell for an incredible $300. It’s a reminder that rare coins, especially those with distinctive features, can be surprisingly valuable. Why Is This Coin So Special? The quarter in question was minted in Denver in 1983 and features a rare error: an offset stamp. This particular defect made the coin highly sought after by collectors. Minting errors like these are considered one-of-a-kind, increasing their worth significantly. How to Spot Valuable Washington Quarters If you're curious whether you have a valuable Washington quarter, here are a few tips for identification: Check for Errors: Look for offset...
2025 Social Security COLA Rise: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
Social Security

2025 Social Security COLA Rise: What Beneficiaries Need to Know

On October 10, 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will announce the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), affecting over 70 million Americans. With inflation slowing in 2024, experts predict a modest COLA increase of approximately 2.5% to 2.6%. This adjustment will impact monthly payments for Social Security beneficiaries, ensuring that their benefits keep pace with the rising cost of living. How is COLA Calculated? The SSA calculates the COLA using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The agency compares the average CPI-W from the third quarter of the current year with the same period from the previous year. This percentage change determines the COLA, helping benefits retain their purchasing power despite inflation. To underst...
Is Your 25-Cent Coin Worth $600,000? How to Tell if You Own a Numismatic Treasure
US News

Is Your 25-Cent Coin Worth $600,000? How to Tell if You Own a Numismatic Treasure

Numismatics, the collection and study of coins, has grown into a lucrative hobby for many. Among the most sought-after finds is a 25-cent coin that could be worth an astounding $600,000. Imagine discovering that an ordinary-looking quarter in your collection is actually a rare treasure! Why Coin Collecting Is More Than Just a Hobby Coin collecting is not just about the potential for financial gain—it's a journey through history. Coins from different eras offer a tangible connection to the past, each telling a unique story. Among collectors, quarters minted with rare minting errors, historical significance, and pristine condition have become particularly valuable. But what makes this 25-cent coin so special? The $600,000 25-Cent Coin: A Closer Look This particular quarter, minte...
Discover If You Qualify for the $3,200 Aid Check Coming in October
Finance

Discover If You Qualify for the $3,200 Aid Check Coming in October

The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program is offering a $3,200 stimulus check to its residents this year, providing much-needed relief for many families. The PFD, established to distribute oil and mineral wealth to Alaskans, serves as an important financial boost, especially during challenging economic times. Who is Eligible for the Stimulus? To qualify for the PFD stimulus check, individuals must be permanent residents of Alaska, meaning they have lived in the state for the entire previous calendar year. Temporary residents or newcomers do not qualify, as the program aims to reward those contributing to the local community and economy long-term. Additionally, those with a criminal record are ineligible for the stimulus check, ensuring that the funds are directed towards la...
Social Security COLA Increase for 2025: What Retirees Can Expect
Social Security

Social Security COLA Increase for 2025: What Retirees Can Expect

The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits is expected to rise in 2025. This increase is crucial for millions of Americans who rely on these payments to manage their monthly expenses, particularly retirees and disabled citizens. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming COLA increase and how it may affect your benefits. What Is COLA and How Is It Calculated? The COLA is an annual adjustment to Social Security benefits based on the inflation rate, which reflects the rising cost of living in the United States. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to calculate these adjustments. The 2025 COLA is projected to increase by around 2.56%, although the final figure will be confir...
Social Security Payments: October 2024 Schedule and What to Expect
Social Security

Social Security Payments: October 2024 Schedule and What to Expect

With October approaching, many Social Security recipients are wondering when their next check will arrive. Your exact payment date depends on factors like when you started receiving benefits and your birthdate. Here's a breakdown of the payment schedule and answers to common questions about Social Security benefits. October 2024 Payment Schedule For October 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will follow the usual staggered payment schedule: October 3, 2024: For individuals receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or those who started receiving benefits before May 1997. October 9, 2024: For beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month. October 16, 2024: For beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month. Octo...
SSDI Recipients to Receive Four Payments in October 2024: Key Details and Application Process
Social Security

SSDI Recipients to Receive Four Payments in October 2024: Key Details and Application Process

In October 2024, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients will receive payments on four different dates, depending on their eligibility and birthdate. These payments follow Social Security’s regular schedule but have specific guidelines based on individual circumstances, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility. SSDI Payment Schedule for October 2024 The first SSDI payment in October 2024 will be on October 3, reserved for those who qualify for both SSDI and SSI and for individuals who have been receiving SSDI since before May 1997. The remaining SSDI recipients will receive their payments on three consecutive Wednesdays, depending on their birthdate: October 9: Recipients born between the 1st and 10th. October 16: Recipients born between the 11th...
CalFresh 2025: SNAP Payments Set to Increase with COLA Adjustment
Finance

CalFresh 2025: SNAP Payments Set to Increase with COLA Adjustment

Starting October 1, 2024, CalFresh recipients in California will see a slight increase in their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Though the increase is modest, it aims to help low-income families as grocery prices rise. What is CalFresh? CalFresh is California’s version of the federal SNAP program, providing financial assistance to low-income households to purchase nutritious food. The program is designed to alleviate hunger and improve the health of residents who qualify for assistance. 2025 COLA Increase: What to Expect The 2025 COLA will bring minor increases to CalFresh benefits. For instance, a single-person household will see their benefits rise from $291 to $292. Similarly, a family of four will r...
New York Rent Control and Rent Stabilization Laws: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants
US News

New York Rent Control and Rent Stabilization Laws: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants

New York's rent control and stabilization laws have long been a central issue in the state's real estate market. These regulations, particularly in New York City, are designed to limit rent increases and protect tenants in an increasingly expensive housing market. Overview of Rent Control and Rent Stabilization Rent control limits rent increases to a capped amount, usually applied to buildings constructed before 1947, with leases signed before July 1, 1971. Rent stabilization allows for incremental rent increases within state-imposed limits and covers buildings constructed between February 1, 1947, and December 31, 1973. The 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) introduced stricter regulations, preventing many units from "graduating" out of rent stabilizati...
SNAP Benefit Increases Begin on October 1: States Seeing the Biggest Boosts
Finance

SNAP Benefit Increases Begin on October 1: States Seeing the Biggest Boosts

Starting October 1, 2024, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to increase to help low-income households cope with rising grocery prices. Although these increases are modest, they come at a time when inflation continues to push food costs higher. New Maximum SNAP Benefits For households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., the new maximum monthly benefits are as follows: 1-person household: $292 2-person household: $536 3-person household: $768 4-person household: $975 5-person household: $1,158 6-person household: $1,390 7-person household: $1,536 8-person household: $1,756 For each additional person, an extra $220 is added to the monthly allotment. Last year’s increases were slightly higher due to more severe inf...