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Faves & Flops

8/18/2017

For this week’s alert, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you, and checked out a number of goods & service providers; some are here in Tampa Bay, others can be found nationwide or on the web.

Which of these are worth your time and money, and which are akin to having root canal?! Find out in today's installment of my periodic series:

“Fave…or Flop?”

Faves:

Ruby Tuesday restaurant chain
Of all the casual dining chains, this one offers healthier food, from a well stocked salad bar to crab cakes with real crab; they do a very good job of listening to and adapting the menu based on customer feedback, and their managers are both seasoned and can be found out on the floor making sure all is just right.

St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute
When it comes to having lasik, lens replacement, or cataract surgery, this is the place to go, and folks have been known to do so from around the country. Located right here in Tampa Bay, they’re one of the best if not the best in the region for such eye corrective surgeries (with impressive outcomes), they’re great about not keeping you waiting throughout the procedural process, and have a thorough follow-up process in place. I had both lenses replaced by them so know all of this first-hand.

GoDaddy.com
From well priced domain names and hosting upkeep, to easy to create and maintain template websites for both personal and business use, all supported by stellar customer service, GoDaddy is highly recommended as your one stop shop when you’re looking to get something off the ground at very low cost. Then upgrading from there is easy and affordable.

Planet Fitness
This fitness center calls itself the “no judgment zone” and indeed they are…not to mention no contracts and a monthly fee of under $11. No frills, just good equipment, staff who care, and members who aren’t there to impress you with loud grunting, peacocking, or looking for a date… This is the place to go if you’re trying to get back into some sort of shape but fear doing it in a public gym. No worries here!

Flops:

St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute for any other type of eyecare
Once you’ve had your cataracts removed or your lenses replaced, stay away from St. Luke’s; this is not the place for on-going eye care. They will keep you waiting for hours, literally, to see doctors who are no more qualified than you’ll find elsewhere. And, they do you the honor of charging you lots more for it…guess it’s rent for all that wait time…

Chili’s national restaurant chain
This place is noisy, has extensive trouble with an order that may vary even one extra side of sautéed onions from what’s on the menu, has disappearing staff, and a menu that’s closer to fast food than actual dining.

Melaleuca “the wellness company”
This online store that sells chemical-free home & personal care products, vitamins, etc. Unlike their competitors, you must first become a member (paying an annual membership fee) and place a minimum monthly order to qualify for lower member pricing. All this for like products found more cheaply in the store, vitamins that don’t list what’s in them on the bottle, packaging that requires Hercules to open, and constant product changes so don’t get used to one for long.

Wells Fargo Bank
Touted publicly as "the good bank" interested in only "kitchen table" banking practices (take deposits then lend the money back out), both The Atlantic and Forbes have uncovered WF large scale trading in the kind of risky derivatives that underpinned the Great Recession. The main finding: the practice is hidden under such seemingly benign headings as “customer accommodations” which in fact has derivatives on its books with potential risk of $2 trillion.

If you have a fave or flop to report, email it to us (include why it's your fave/you think it's a flop), and...

You have been officially alerted....

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Summer Fun Part II: For the Critter-lover in Us All

8/3/2017

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Face it: Unless you're Jeffrey Dahmer, you can't resist pictures of adorable critters doing even more adorable things!

So for this month's summer pick-me-up, we've compiled a few of our favorites from around the globe.

Sit back and be AAAWWWWWed by them, then come back throughout the week whenever you need a warm/fuzzy break from a hard day.

You have been officially animalerted...

Want more fun + laughs? Enjoy the comedy team's picks.

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Canada: The Perfect Summer Vacation

7/20/2017

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Summer is the best time for a trip to any of Canada's 10 Provinces and 3 Territories. You'll find places that are still quite cool even in summer, and those that are pleasantly warm but without the steamy quality of our summer weather.

From urban areas to far flung national parks on the Arctic Ocean, you'll find a worthy adventure that suits any style.
To get you started, here's some excellent recommendations for each province & territory... from A to Z (well, OK...Y)...from our pals at the Boomer travel site My Itchy Travel Feet:

Alberta...
...home to the beautiful Canadian Rockies and several national parks including Jasper and Banff. Try the Canadian Rockies Tauck Tour, or a hike to Lake Agnes Tea House.

British Columbia
This Province stretches from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Ocean. Find lots to do in its biggest city, Vancouver (pictured), go heli hiking in the Bugaboos, or take a Vancouver Island road trip.

Manitoba...
...has more than 80 provincial parks with a varied landscape that offers numerous outdoor opportunities. Watching polar bears in Churchill in a way that respects them would be tops on this Boomer's list.

New Brunswick...
...on the eastern coast of Canada, offers prime wildlife watching including whales, bear and moose. Or watch the amazing take in UNESCO sites or a tidal bore (a strong tide that pushes up the river against the current, creating true tidal wave) at Bay of Fundy (pictured).

Newfoundland and Labrador
Found on the eastern edge of North America, this province offers once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Highlights include the stunning Gros Morne National Park and cruises along Iceberg Alley.

Northwest Territories
Though the moniker is plural, this is one territory, and is Canada at its wildest. Arranging the hiking, white water rafting and adventuring is best left up to the experts. Start your research at the Northwest Territories tourism page.

Nova Scotia
This beautiful province provides history, culture and natural beauty on the eastern coast of Canada. Drive or bike the Cabot Trail with many scenic overlooks, cultural heritage sites, whale watching hiking trails and guided tours. Or, do the city thing and visit Halifax (pictured).

Nunavut
This territory lays claim to the term "like nowhere else on Earth." If you want to see wildlife like narwhal, polar bear, beluga whales and muskox, this Arctic territory adjacent to the Northwest passage will do the trick.

Ontario and Quebec
Ontario includes the cities of Toronto and Ottawa; Quebec, of course, holds Montreal (pictured). So much to see and do in all three. But you can also find plenty of outdoor adventure, too. Looking for something different? Explore Bonnechere Caves in Ontario, or walking with wolves in Quebec, one of the most respectful, beautiful ways to experience this otherwise unapproachable species.

Prince Edward Island
It may be tiny but it's packed with fun. Think lobster, Anne of Green Gables, lobster, well you get the gist. Check out these authentic PEI experiences.

Saskatchewan...
...home to prairies, lakes and wide open spaces. Try horseback riding (if that's your thing...otherwise there's plenty of other ways to get around) in Grasslands National Park, where you'll travel back in time as you gaze at dinosaur bones, wander past tipi rings, and see a prairie homestead.

Yukon
This territory offers extraordinary sights, including a peak into First Nations culture (the predominant Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
Drive the Alaska Highway, and explore Kluane National Park, home to Canada’s highest peak (Mount Logan), its largest ice field, and North America’s most genetically diverse grizzly population.

Need more ideas? Check out their Canada Travel Guide.

You have been officially alerted...

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Everything You Need to Know About Medicare

7/6/2017

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Last time, I covered Social Security benefits for those of you who are among the 10,000 Boomers each day coming of retirement age or retiring.
Today, I'll tell you all you need to know about SS's cohort, Medicare.

Helping me today is Medicare Benefits specialist and friend of the show Wise Skillman...

Part A vs. Part B
Part A is for hospitalization only, automatically kicks in as soon as you turn 65 (or go on SSDisability), and has no premium. Part B requires opting in, carries a premium, and pays for all other medical care; doctor's visits, labs, outpatient procedures, etc.

Sign up for Medicare Part B on time

You can enroll in Medicare B beginning three months before the month you turn 65. For those whose birthday is on the first day of the month, coverage can start as early as the first day of the month prior to your birthday. I know...I'm confused too...
If you don't sign up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, your premiums may increase by 10% for each 12-month period that you delay enrollment.
Part B has a monthly premium based on your income, currently ranging from $108-$134/mo.
It can be taken directly out of your SS check if you wish.
If you are still working and covered by a group health insurance plan, sign up within eight months of leaving the insurance plan to avoid the penalty.
Schedule your free physical. Medicare provides a one-time free physical exam within the first 12 months you have Part B coverage. This can include a review of your health, vision and blood pressure screenings, cardiovascular & breast cancer screenings, bone mass measurements, flu shots, and counseling about preventive care services covered by Medicare.

Choose the best coverage plan for your needs
Once you've enrolled, you then pick the right type of medical care plan for you. Wise offers this analogy for choosing: "It's a lot like that old Midas commercial...you can pay me now, or pay me later." With Medicare, you can opt for a plan for which you pay more monthly or up-front, then pay less or nothing as you go along, or one that has no additional premiums up-front, but carries costs along the way like co-pays and deductibles. Here's the break-down:

Traditional Medicare alone:
Medicare pays for 80% of covered costs; you're responsible for the remaining 20%. Given the following two options, I don't recommend this one - requires far more out-of-pocket.
Part C Medicare Advantage plans:
These are Medicare policies that allow private health insurance companies to provide Medicare benefits. They take your monthly Medicare payment directly, then provide you coverage for Parts A, B, & D (covered next). According to Wise, "In most areas of the country a Medicare Advantage plan does not have an additional premium, and most usually have a Maximum Out of Pocket of about $6,700." Some include perks like limited vision/dental, and "Silver Sneakers" gym membership. They all include drug coverage, but vary as to what they charge for different medications, just as they vary on co-pays/deductibles/max out of pocket. They come in the same HMO/PPO varieties offered by private insurance.
I think this is best for those who have less health problems or are on disability prior to age 65 (costs for supplement plans - explained below - are 3-4X higher for folks in this group).

Part D Drug Coverage:
There's many plans for this, and yes, it's the one with the ever demonized "donut hole." Wise cautions, "keep in mind that with Traditional Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan (explained below), you must also purchase an approved Part D drug plan. If you don't have creditible drug coverage upon signing up for Part B, there is a 1% penalty for each month that you didn't have coverage when you do finally get it. It can be costly." Part D plans cost an average of $42.17/month according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a 9% increase from last year.

Part F/G Medicare Supplement (MediGap) plans:
These are Medicare approved insurance plans that cover costs known as Medicare Part B excess charges; the difference between what a doctor or provider charges and the amount Medicare will pay (that 20% mentioned above). These carry a monthly premium (that up-front cost Wise spoke of above) in addition to your monthly Medicare premium, but then carry no or few co-pays or deductibles. According to Wise, "Plan F is the most popular & comprehensive. In Florida, a person turning 65 can get it for about $175/month. The Maximum Out of Pocket for Plan F is $2,200." As mentioned above, you must also choose a Part D drug coverage plan in addition to your Supplement plan. So...With this option, you're paying your Medicare premium, your supplement premium, and your drug coverage premium up-front monthly, an average total of about $340/month.
I think this is best for those whose medical care on an Advantage plan would add up to more than the monthly premiums associated with this option, or have no concerns about the up-front costs and wish the ease of this option, including the freedom to go to any doctor who takes Medicare anywhere in the country.

Important final note: make sure to ask if a physician accepts Medicare before making an appointment – unfortunately an ever growing number of physicians have stopped taking new Medicare patients.

Phew! Thanks, Wise! And...

You have been officially alerted...

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Social Security FAQ's...and Answers

6/22/2017

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If you are one of the 10,000 Boomers each day who comes of retirement age/is retiring, you need accurate info about your Social Security benefits.

So, here's the top 10 biggest questions asked, and answered, with thanks to AARP:

How long do I need to work to become eligible for benefits?
If you were born in 1929 or later (hey...we're not that old...), you need to work at least 10 years to become eligible for Social Security. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines eligibility with a system of credits - generally, you earn up to four credits for every year worked, and you need a total of 40 credits to qualify for Social Security.

At what age can I start collecting Social Security benefits?
Workers can begin receiving retirement benefits at age 62, but your benefit will be greater if you wait until your full retirement age (currently 66 for those born after 1942) or later (see next question). Widows, widowers, surviving children, the disabled and children of the disabled can start collecting earlier. Full retirement ages are based on the year of your birth: use this link to find yours.

How can I boost the amount of my Social Security check?
The longer you wait to start collecting after you become eligible at 62, the higher the amount you will receive. For instance, by postponing Social Security until your full retirement age of 66, your benefit will be 25% higher than if you started as early as possible. Delay Social Security beyond your full retirement age, and your benefit will go up 8% a year until 70 — a 32% bonus....If you can, wait.
(Try the AARP Social Security Benefits Calculator).

Must I stop working to collect Social Security benefits?
No, you can receive benefits while working - use this link to see the earnings amount to benefits chart. But, if you are younger than the full retirement age and earn more than a certain amount, your monthly benefits will be temporarily reduced. Once you reach full retirement age, however, your benefits will be increased to make up for what was lost over time.
Here's an example: If you're reaching your full retirement age in 2017, the amount you can earn this year without a reduction in benefits is $44,880. If you're younger than that, the amount you can earn without a reduction in benefits is $16,920.
After you reach your full retirement age, you keep all your benefits, no matter how much you earn.

What's the maximum monthly Social Security benefit?
For a worker retiring in 2017 at the full retirement age of 66, the highest monthly amount is $2,687.
In December 2016, the average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker was about $1,360.

Can I receive SS benefits based on the earnings of a former spouse?
Yes, as long as you were married for 10 years and you aren't remarried. If so, you're eligible to claim Social Security benefits under your ex-spouse's earnings if they turn out to be higher than your own.
Read this article for more specifics.

Is Social Security just for retired workers?
No. As of June 2016, 16% of beneficiaries were disabled workers and their dependents, and 13% were survivors (such as widows, widowers and children).

How do I sign up for Social Security benefits?
You can apply for Social Security benefits online, at your local office or by phone at 800-772-1213. To collect your full retirement benefits, apply to the SSA three months before you want to receive your first payment.

How can I receive my Social Security payments?
The Department of Treasury did away with paper checks in March 2013 in favor of direct deposit and debit cards.

When someone dies, how does the SSA know?
They receive reports of beneficiary deaths usually
first from the funeral home and other government agencies. You should inform the SSA as soon as possible when a person dies.

Finally, a few facts worth noting:

Among beneficiaries age 65 and older, 21% of married couples and 4% of unmarried people rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income
48% of married couples and 71% of unmarried persons 65 or older rely on Social Security for 50% or more of their income.

You have been officially alerted...

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Faves & Flops

“Fave…or Flop?”

Faves:

Flops:

Summer Fun Part II: For the Critter-lover in Us All

Face it: Unless you're Jeffrey Dahmer, you can't resist pictures of adorable critters doing even more adorable things!

Canada: The Perfect Summer Vacation

Summer is the best time for a trip to any of Canada's 10 Provinces and 3 Territories. You'll find places that are still quite cool even in summer, and those that are pleasantly warm but without the steamy quality of our summer weather.

Everything You Need to Know About Medicare

Last time, I covered Social Security benefits for those of you who are among the 10,000 Boomers each day coming of retirement age or retiring.
Today, I'll tell you all you need to know about SS's cohort, Medicare.

Social Security FAQ's...and Answers

If you are one of the 10,000 Boomers each day who comes of retirement age/is retiring, you need accurate info about your Social Security benefits.

Blog Author

Archives

Categories

Faves & Flops

“Fave…or Flop?”

Faves:

Flops:

Summer Fun Part II: For the Critter-lover in Us All

Face it: Unless you're Jeffrey Dahmer, you can't resist pictures of adorable critters doing even more adorable things!

Canada: The Perfect Summer Vacation

Summer is the best time for a trip to any of Canada's 10 Provinces and 3 Territories. You'll find places that are still quite cool even in summer, and those that are pleasantly warm but without the steamy quality of our summer weather.

Everything You Need to Know About Medicare

Last time, I covered Social Security benefits for those of you who are among the 10,000 Boomers each day coming of retirement age or retiring. Today, I'll tell you all you need to know about SS's cohort, Medicare.

Social Security FAQ's...and Answers

If you are one of the 10,000 Boomers each day who comes of retirement age/is retiring, you need accurate info about your Social Security benefits.

Blog Author

Archives

Categories

Last time, I covered Social Security benefits for those of you who are among the 10,000 Boomers each day coming of retirement age or retiring.
Today, I'll tell you all you need to know about SS's cohort, Medicare.