Posted on Saturday, 12th September 2020 by Dennis Damp

We can expect a smaller COLA increase for 2021. The final number will be released on October 13th.  The August issue of Kiplinger magazine estimated an increase of 1.2% while others suggest a much lower figure of .44%. Both projections are much lower than the 1.6% we received last year. Projected COLA Going Down The […]

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• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• FINANCE / TIP
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Friday, 28th August 2020 by Dennis Damp

Retirees generally worry about finances and health issues, not whether or not I’ll be safe when I go out and about.  I was talking recently to an 80-year-old veteran who just purchased his first firearm, a revolver. He was using a walker and not in great health. Yes, a COVID-19 vaccine will save lives and […]

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• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Friday, 31st July 2020 by Dennis Damp

Often as we age, health concerns take center stage and many times sideline our plans and dreams. A fact of life for retirees and those approaching retirement. Actually, this can happen at any age and it’s imperative we seek out competent medical help to get us back on our feet and enjoying life again. Request […]

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• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Friday, 17th July 2020 by Dennis Damp

This is a challenging time for all and uncertainty abounds. When we listen to the morning news, we hear of new setbacks in our fight to get back to normal; whatever that may end up being. Unfortunately, we are fighting a war on several fronts: from the pandemic to national unrest, and fueled by a […]

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• FINANCE / TIP
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Saturday, 4th July 2020 by Dennis Damp

My lifestyle column focuses on issues that affect retirement and I often cover current events. The issues of the day can be and are often controversial. My last article, “Stop the Insanity, History Can’t Be Rewritten,” garnered considerable comments, some thoughtful, others quite abrasive, and most supporting the article’s theme. One individual advised me to […]

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• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Thursday, 18th June 2020 by Dennis Damp

[Note to Reader: I recently completed a memoir of my early years and the following two paragraphs are excerpted, with slight modification, from the epilog.] “Time and circumstance separate us from our early roots, and for most, life in the moment overshadows those early experiences, relegating them to the remotest corners of our mind. However, […]

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• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• UNCATEGORIZED

Posted on Saturday, 13th June 2020 by Dennis Damp

The CARES Act offers temporary loan and withdrawal options for TSP participants affected by COVID-19. The dramatic stock market sell-off this past March and subsequent correction last week reduced portfolio values dramatically for many. Lower account balances for all but the bond funds make the decision to take out loans or elect a withdrawal difficult. […]

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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• ESTATE PLANNING
• FINANCE / TIP
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Monday, 1st June 2020 by Dennis Damp

There are many things to consider when evaluating our Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) in preparation for the next Open Season: plan cost, doctor accessibility, prescription copayments and availability, coverage for current medical conditions, and so much more. Even with considerable review and research we get blindsided by unusual situations. Attend a 2-Hour Benefits Briefing […]

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• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION
• WELLNESS / HEALTH