Saturday, December 28
Last Three Social Security Payments Before 2025 COLA Adjustment
3Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Social Security

Last Three Social Security Payments Before 2025 COLA Adjustment

As inflation continues to influence financial planning, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is poised to announce its cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 on October 10, 2024. This adjustment is essential for nearly 68 million Americans who depend on Social Security benefits, totaling around $1.5 trillion annually. What is the Social Security COLA? Since 1975, the SSA has implemented annual COLA to ensure that Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation, calculated based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). In recent years, following the significant inflationary pressures stemming from the pandemic, these adjustments have seen noticeable increases: 2021: 1.3% 2022: 5.9% 2023: 8.7% 2024: 3.2% While a static a...
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Do You Qualify for a $3,200 or $1,702 Alaska Stimulus Check? Here’s What You Need to Know
3Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

Do You Qualify for a $3,200 or $1,702 Alaska Stimulus Check? Here’s What You Need to Know

Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program is set to distribute its annual stimulus checks to eligible residents in 2024. The PFD aims to share the state’s resource revenue with Alaskans, providing financial relief through the income generated from oil and mineral wealth. However, for 2024, there has been some confusion regarding the exact amount residents will receive, with initial estimates of $3,200 now adjusted to $1,702 for many recipients. Why Did the Amount Change? The stimulus check amount for Alaska residents is tied to state revenues, which are influenced by fluctuating oil prices. In May 2024, it was announced that residents would receive a $3,200 dividend. However, the amount was recently updated to $1,702 on the official PFD website, causing concern and confusion amo...
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$1,112 Stimulus Check for Seniors Coming in October: Here’s How to Claim It
3Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

$1,112 Stimulus Check for Seniors Coming in October: Here’s How to Claim It

Starting October 2024, many elderly and disabled residents in Colorado will qualify for a $1,112 stimulus check through the Property Tax Credit (PTC) program. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to seniors and individuals with disabilities, particularly during the colder months when living costs such as heating bills increase. Eligibility Requirements for the $1,112 Stimulus Check Not all seniors in Colorado are automatically eligible for the stimulus check. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria: Residency: Applicants must have been Colorado residents for the entire year of 2023. Age: Most applicants must be 65 or older, but surviving spouses aged 58 or older and individuals with disabilities of any age are also eligible. Income Limits: Single fil...
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IRS Deadline to Claim Unclaimed 2021 Stimulus Checks Announced
3Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

IRS Deadline to Claim Unclaimed 2021 Stimulus Checks Announced

While most Americans have already received their stimulus checks, some individuals, particularly those who do not regularly file tax returns, may still be missing out on their 2021 Economic Impact Payment. The IRS has set a deadline for claiming these unclaimed stimulus checks, offering eligible taxpayers time to file and secure their payment. When Is the Last Day to Claim Your 2021 Stimulus Check? Although the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit is no longer available, the 2021 credit can still be claimed. The IRS has confirmed that taxpayers have until April 15, 2025, to file a claim for the 2021 stimulus check through the Recovery Rebate Credit. Even if you typically don't file taxes, you are required to submit a 2021 tax return to receive the payment. This announcement is particularly...
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U.S. 2024: Banks and ATMs to Stop Accepting Certain $50 Bills
3Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

U.S. 2024: Banks and ATMs to Stop Accepting Certain $50 Bills

Beginning in September 2024, major financial institutions in the United States, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, and Citibank, will no longer accept certain $50 bills. This decision follows the Federal Reserve’s initiative to update currency circulation with modern designs and enhanced security features, while phasing out older, less secure notes. Why Are Some $50 Bills Being Phased Out? The Federal Reserve's announcement is part of a broader effort to improve the overall security and reliability of U.S. currency. Specifically, some older $50 bills that are worn out, damaged, or mutilated will no longer be accepted by banks and ATMs. The change is aimed at reducing the risk of counterfeit notes and ensuring that the money in circulation is up-to-date and well-...
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Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco to Offer Refunds: How to Claim Yours
3Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco to Offer Refunds: How to Claim Yours

Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco have launched a refund program for consumers who purchased tuna from the brands StarKist and Lion Capital between June 2011 and December 2016. This refund is the result of a court ruling that found these companies guilty of engaging in illegal price-fixing practices, inflating the cost of tuna products sold during that period. Why Are Refunds Being Offered? The U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division conducted a thorough investigation starting in 2015, which uncovered that both StarKist and Lion Capital had colluded to fix tuna prices at artificially high levels. This illegal activity violated U.S. competition laws, which are designed to protect consumers from unfair market practices. The price-fixing scheme affected millions of consumers acros...
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Arkansas Parents Accused of Attempting to Trade Baby for Beer and Cash
30Sep By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Crime News

Arkansas Parents Accused of Attempting to Trade Baby for Beer and Cash

A disturbing case out of Benton County, Arkansas, has led to the arrest of a couple accused of attempting to sell their two-month-old baby for beer and cash. Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, face felony charges following allegations that they tried to exchange their infant for a six-pack of beer and a $1,000 cashier’s check. Campground Manager's Report Leads to Investigation The investigation began when a manager at a local campground reported the couple to the Benton County Sheriff's Department. According to court documents, the couple allegedly wrote a letter granting custody of their baby to a man named Cody Martin in exchange for money. The letter included a chilling disclaimer that stated there would be no changing of minds and to never contact them again. Troopers a...
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2024 SSI COLA Increase: Key Details for Beneficiaries
30Sep By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Social Security

2024 SSI COLA Increase: Key Details for Beneficiaries

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 3.2% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024, impacting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. This increase will help low-income individuals, including those over 65, blind, or disabled, manage rising living costs. What to Expect with the 2024 COLA Increase Beginning in December 2023, SSI recipients will notice a slight rise in their payments. Due to the New Year holiday, payments will be distributed earlier than usual, at the end of December. Here’s a breakdown of the expected changes: Category2023 Payment (Approx.)2024 Payment (Approx.)Monthly IncreaseAverage SSI Payment$698$720$22Individuals$914$943$29Couples$1,371$1,415$44Essential Person$458$472$14 How is COLA Calculated? The COLA is determined by th...
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Man Arrested for Assault and Indecent Exposure at Clark College
30Sep By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Crime News

Man Arrested for Assault and Indecent Exposure at Clark College

A man was arrested following multiple disturbing incidents of trespassing, indecent exposure, and assault at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. The man, identified as Nolen P. Sanchez, was taken into custody on Saturday after authorities linked him to a series of events that began earlier in the week. Sanchez now faces charges of sexual assault and indecent exposure, bringing renewed attention to campus safety concerns. Initial Incident: Unwanted Approach and Indecent Exposure The trouble started around 7 a.m. on Thursday when a female student reported a suspicious encounter. She informed campus security that she was followed by a man after disembarking from a bus near the campus. The man reportedly made inappropriate comments about her age, causing the student to feel uncomfort...
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New SNAP Guidelines to Benefit 14,000 More Residents with $3,200 in Annual Support
30Sep By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

New SNAP Guidelines to Benefit 14,000 More Residents with $3,200 in Annual Support

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is set to provide additional financial relief to approximately 14,000 more residents, thanks to new guidelines. These changes, aimed at addressing growing economic inequalities and rising living costs, are particularly crucial for states like Hawaii, where the cost of living is notably high. Under the updated rules, more families will qualify for SNAP benefits, which provide up to $3,200 annually. The revisions to Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) give states the flexibility to eliminate asset limits and raise income thresholds, allowing even households with savings or slightly higher incomes to qualify. This expansion is a significant step in reducing food insecurity for working-class families...
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