Wednesday, January 15
This Date Will Change Social Security Forever: 3 Exciting Changes for Retirees
8Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Social Security

This Date Will Change Social Security Forever: 3 Exciting Changes for Retirees

As we approach significant dates on the Social Security calendar, retirees are eagerly anticipating changes that could impact their monthly benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced key adjustments that promise to enhance the financial well-being of retirees. Here are three important changes that retirees can look forward to. 1. Increased Monthly Benefits One of the most exciting changes for retirees is the projected increase in monthly Social Security benefits. With the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) set to take effect soon, retirees can expect their payments to reflect adjustments based on inflation rates. The COLA is designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with rising living costs. For 2025, the anticipated COLA increase is approximately 2.5%, which trans...
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Retirees Receive Their First Social Security Payout in October Before the COLA Announcement
8Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Social Security

Retirees Receive Their First Social Security Payout in October Before the COLA Announcement

For retirees who started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to deliver their first payment of October on October 9. The average monthly benefit for these individuals will be around $1,900, though actual amounts can vary based on individual circumstances. This payment is crucial for many, as it helps cover essential living expenses and maintain a comfortable retirement. Upcoming Payment Schedule for October The SSA sends out over 70 million payments each month, with a carefully planned schedule to ensure all beneficiaries receive their funds on time. For those who began receiving benefits after May 1997, the October payment dates are as follows: October 9 (Second Wednesday) for retirees born between the 1st and 10th ...
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Last Days for 2025 COLA to Change: What to Expect from the Next Retirement Benefit Hike
8Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Social Security

Last Days for 2025 COLA to Change: What to Expect from the Next Retirement Benefit Hike

As the final days before the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) are upon us, millions of Social Security beneficiaries are anticipating an announcement on how much their monthly payments will increase. The official COLA for 2025 will be determined using inflation data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), typically considering the months of July, August, and September. The final number is expected to be released on October 10, 2024. What to Expect from the 2025 COLA Increase? While the official figures for September are still pending, current estimates based on the available inflation data from July and August suggest that the COLA increase for 2025 may be around 2.5%. This is lower than the 3.2% increase seen in 2024. The average Socia...
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How to Claim Unclaimed Stimulus Checks: What You Need to Know
8Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

How to Claim Unclaimed Stimulus Checks: What You Need to Know

If you didn’t receive one or more of the stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might still be able to claim them. Many individuals either didn’t receive the full amount or missed out on their payments altogether. Luckily, through the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), you can still get what you’re entitled to by filing for the credit on your federal tax return. Who Can Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit? Anyone who didn’t receive all of their stimulus payments can file for the Recovery Rebate Credit. This applies to both the 2020 and 2021 tax years, depending on which payment round was missed. Here’s how it works: The first two stimulus checks were advance payments of the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. The third stimulus check, which began in 2021, was an advance pay...
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SNAP 2025 COLA Increase: New Food Stamp Benefit Payment Dates
8Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

SNAP 2025 COLA Increase: New Food Stamp Benefit Payment Dates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 2025 due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment affects 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hawaii stands out as an exception, where benefits have decreased rather than increased. For most households of four, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit now rises to $975. However, Alaska tops the list with the highest benefit amount, reaching up to $1,953 for families living in rural areas. SNAP Payment Schedules SNAP payment schedules vary across different states, with many distributing benefits throughout the month of October. For instance: Florida: Payments are issued between...
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7 ‘Secret Spots’ Burglars Check First When Invading Florida Homes
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

7 ‘Secret Spots’ Burglars Check First When Invading Florida Homes

Home security is a serious concern for many Florida residents, especially in light of the recent rise in property crimes in the Sunshine State. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were 267,559 burglaries reported in 2022, an increase of 8.7% from the previous year. While some burglaries are random and opportunistic, others are planned and targeted by savvy criminals who know where to look for valuables. If you think you have a clever hiding spot for your cash, jewelry, or other precious items, you may want to think again. Here are seven ‘secret spots’ that burglars check first when invading Florida homes. 1. Under the Mattress This is probably the oldest and most obvious hiding spot in the book, but some people still use it for convenience or lack of be...
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7 Of The Most Dangerous Gangs Taking Over Pennsylvania
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

7 Of The Most Dangerous Gangs Taking Over Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state with a rich history, culture, and economy, but it also faces some serious challenges from crime and violence. Among the most notorious sources of criminal activity are the gangs that operate in various cities and regions of the state. These gangs are involved in drug trafficking, firearms violations, murder, robbery, and other offenses that threaten the safety and well-being of the residents and communities. In this article, we will look at seven of the most dangerous gangs that are taking over Pennsylvania, based on their size, scope, and impact. 1. The Hazelwood Mob The Hazelwood Mob, also known as the Down Low Gang, is a violent neighborhood gang based out of the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The gang has been active since the early 2000s and has be...
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Discover the 3 Most Historic Battlefields in California
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

Discover the 3 Most Historic Battlefields in California

California is not only known for its sunny beaches, Hollywood stars, and Silicon Valley, but also for its rich and diverse history. The state has witnessed some of the most important and dramatic events in American history, from the Mexican-American War to the Civil War, from the Gold Rush to the World War II. Some of these events left behind traces of their battles, which can still be visited and explored today. In this article, we will introduce you to three of the most historic battlefields in California, where you can learn more about the stories, heroes, and consequences of these conflicts. San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park The San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park is located near Escondido, in San Diego County. It commemorates the Battle of San Pasqual, ...
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Pennsylvania City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

Pennsylvania City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State

Driving can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially in some cities where traffic, road conditions, safety, and costs are major concerns. According to various sources, one Pennsylvania city stands out as the worst place to drive in the state, and among the worst in the country. That city is Philadelphia, the largest and most populous city in Pennsylvania. Traffic and Infrastructure One of the main factors that makes driving in Philadelphia a nightmare is the traffic and infrastructure. According to WalletHub, Philadelphia ranked 6th worst in the country for traffic and infrastructure, based on metrics such as congestion, commute time, road quality, bridge quality, and public transit. Philadelphia drivers spend an average of 37 hours per year stuck in traffic, acc...
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Florida City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

Florida City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State

Florida is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse attractions. But it is also notorious for its traffic congestion, road rage, and high insurance rates. According to a recent report by 24/7 Wall St., a financial news website, Florida has one of the worst cities for drivers in the country: Orlando. Why Orlando? Orlando is the most visited city in the United States, attracting millions of tourists every year who flock to its theme parks, resorts, and entertainment venues. However, this also means that the city has to deal with a large influx of vehicles, both local and rental, on its roads. According to the report, Orlando has the following statistics that make it a nightmare for drivers: The average commute time in Orlando is 28.2 minutes, which is higher than...
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