The year started off with a bang: market up, unemployment the lowest it had been in decades, and hopes were high for the new year.  That changed course abruptly when COVID overtook life as we knew it, yet we persevered and are on the road to recovery at years end thanks to the Warp Speed initiative. We suffered through a brutal election and still survived; there is much to be thankful for.

Retirees were caught in the middle due to our higher risk factors and many nursing homes were decimated by this disease.  Over 42 percent of all COVID deaths were at nursing homes and assisted living facilities! In some states like New York, the death rate at these facilities were even higher.  I can’t understand how the politicians and so-called experts running the show thought it would be appropriate to send COVID patients back to their nursing home or assisted living facility. I wonder if their mothers, fathers, and grandparents resided there if they would have pushed this narrative. Oh, I forgot, they can afford private nursing care for their loved ones! These same Politicians implore us to forgo family and friends during the holidays, and are caught violating their own edicts. OK, I know what you are thinking, I should know they expect us to do what they say, not what they do! They are special, truly privileged and unaccountable for their own behavior. I understand!!! 

Now that vaccines are available, we expect that our most vulnerable: the elderly, health care and frontline workers will be the first in line for vaccination.  If they do otherwise, God help them. Our most vulnerable MUST be protected first.

Our small businesses, restaurants, and even churches are on the brink of destruction, many won’t survive. These small businesses are the mom-and-pop enterprises that have sustained their families and the surrounding communities for years.  They know how to do things right but aren’t given a chance to earn a living.

When my wife and I go to the big box stores they are functioning, social distancing isn’t followed as one might expect in crowded isles, etc. Sure, all are wearing masks, many with it below their nose to breath. Yet, a small business and their employees are robbed of their livelihood even when so called science says the risks are minimal. I marvel at the hypocrisy when I hear the mayor of New York shut down restaurants that account for around 2 percent of infections knowing full well that over 40% of the infections are from indoor social activity.  No one knows just how many of those infections are coming from the big box stores!

I started writing this article with something entirely different in mind to close out the year, just can’t help myself these days.

I sincerely want to thank my site visitors, newsletter subscribers, and blog followers. Over the past three years we’ve had over 7 million visit our web sites and view just under 9 million pages and our blog received over 621,000 visits. I sincerely appreciate all of you for your patronage, you are truly appreciated and thank you so much for following me all of these years, some for as many as two decades.

My best to you and yours this holiday season, may you have a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year.

Helpful Retirement Planning Tools

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and benefit information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties for assistance including OPM’s retirement center. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

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Dennis Damp

Dennis V. Damp is an author, retired federal manager, business owner, career counselor and veteran. Damp is the author of 28 books, a recognized benefits expert, and a retired federal manager with 35 years’ service. Dennis has been a guest on hundreds of radio talk shows, CNN’s YOUR MONEY and the Lou Dobbs Cable TV shows, lectured at universities and colleges, produced Internet web sites and training videos, and has written hundreds of articles for national magazines and newspapers. His books have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times and U.S. News & World Report.

Dennis joined the Air Force in 1968 and spent over three years on active duty and an additional seven years with the Air National Guard. He was hired by the Department of Defense (DOD) after leaving active duty and transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1975. He spent the remainder of his career in various positions with the FAA. His last position was technical operations manager at the Pittsburgh International Airport’s air traffic control tower.