For every 0 a retired household spent in 2000, that household can only buy about worth of the same goods and services today. For example, in 2000, the average annual cost of homeowners' insurance was 8 per year. In 2020 however, the average cost is ,518.97, an increase of 174 percent over the period. In 2000, the average Social Security benefit was 6 per month. A retiree with 6 could pay their entire annual homeowners insurance bill and still have money left over. By 2020, however, COLAs increased the 6.00 benefit to just ,246.20. Households with a benefit of ,246.20 must make insurance payments over several months, dig deeper into savings, or borrow to cover the cost of their policy.."We write to express our concern and alarm about the dramatic increase in problems with mail delivery that are being experienced by constituents across Maryland. Based on the reports and information we have received; these delays appear to be the result of delayed processing times and staff shortages..As with the start of any new Congress, TSCL is encouraging Senators and Representatives to reintroduce and cosponsor key legislation, like the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act, the Notch Fairness Act, the No Social Security for Illegal Immigrants Act, and the Social Security Fairness Act. TSCL's legislative agenda for the next two years includes the following issues, among others:.In short, since 2015 Congress apparently forgot about the deficit and went on a spending spree. But suddenly, it has become a crisis again. Or has it become a convenient excuse for doing what a lot of them have wanted to do for a long time: cut Medicare and Social Security benefits?.and improve your health..Daily exercise: According to a growing volume of scientific research, one of the biggest factors in protecting your brain from the effects of aging is the amount of exercise you get every day. Exercise helps reduce insulin resistance, reduce inflammation and stimulates chemicals in the brain that affect not only the health of brain cells but the abundance and survival of new brain cells. It also helps you sleep which can reduce memory problems. You don't have to sign up for gym membership. The standard recommendation often is about one half-hour of exercise daily that gets your heart pumping, or about 150 minutes a week. In addition to walking, riding a stationary bicycle or the treadmill, "exercise" can include things like dancing, gardening, raking leaves, mopping floors vigorously and climbing stairs..Increase the payroll taxable maximum to cover all earnings. Currently high - income workers pay no Social Security taxes on earnings over 8,500. That means someone earning 0,000 stopped paying Social Security taxes at the end of March while middle and low - income earners continue to pay Social Security taxes on all their earnings, all year long. This one change alone would bolster both the disability and retirement program for decades to come..Since 2007 the government has determined Part B premiums based on income. The government uses the most current tax return to determine income. For 2011, your mother's 2009 income was used. Individuals with incomes over ,000 or married couples with incomes of 0,000 are subject to the higher premiums. The healthcare reform legislation passed in 2010 expanded "means testing" to include Part D. Based on income, seniors pay a monthly surcharge of to .10 on top of the premium charged by their plan..Sell and buy "senior" housing. If your home is too big, too expensive, and your needs are changing, it may be wise to start shopping for a more efficient newer home. Use the balance of the remaining sales proceeds for investments or an annuity to provide retirement income. When looking at new homes, consider future transportation needs and ease of access to public transportation to stores, businesses, healthcare facilities, and other favorite places. Spend time learning about the new community and do your homework on property values. Have homes in the area recently been reassessed for local taxes, or will you pay taxes based on "pre- crash" real estate values? How far is the new home from your kids and family? If you develop health issues, what type of medical care is available, including home care workers?
