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Hello friends, Happy Money Monday
Several months ago I attended an AARP Seminar and one of the topics of discussion was collecting Social Security benefits. A few women in the audience were concerned because they believed that when the time came for them to collect Social Security, the system would be bankrupt.
The speaker tried to reassure them that that would not be the case, but one woman was not totally convinced.
So let’s debunk some of the other myths to make sure the sky is not falling.
Myth 1: Social Security payments are based on your last 5/10/15 years of work — False
Your Social Security payments are based on your lifetime average earnings. For retirement payments, SSA uses your best 35 years of work, indexed for inflation. (Fewer years are used for mid-career death or disability.)
You can get a Social Security estimate by signing up at ssa.gov/myaccount
Myth 2: You should postpone Social Security to get the most retirement income. —Maybe so, maybe no.
Taking your retirement payments later, up to age 70, gives you a higher monthly payment. But will you survive long enough to reap the benefit? Will you drain your savings while waiting for Social Security to start, short-changing your later years? If you withdraw from tax-deferred retirement accounts, will you pay more in taxes than you would if you drew Social Security instead?
Myth 3: You have to die for your family to get Social Security on your work record. —False
Your spouse and children (and yes, your former spouse) can be eligible for Social Security, even while you’re alive. Make sure to take family benefits into account in your retirement planning.
By the way, it is true that your family can get Social Security if you die. Just don’t wait that long!
Myth 4: If you work and earn over $15,000 while on Social Security, your payments stop. – False
It’s true that there’s a threshold earnings level set every year; it’s $15,120 in 2013. What’s false is that if you earn anything over the threshold, your Social Security will stop.
First, the threshold applies only to those under Full Retirement Age (FRA, currently 66). Once you are over FRA, you can work all you want and still get full Social Security. You’d have to earn quite a bit, perhaps $30,000 to $50,000 to lose all your Social Security.
Finally, remember that only work income — wages or self-employment earnings — count against your Social Security. Pension, interest, dividends, capital gains, etc. don’t count.
Myth 5: Social Security is losing money/is broke. — False
Social Security is still running a surplus and banks the extra money they bring in each year, so their reserve funds are growing.
Counting all three revenue streams shows SSA running a surplus ($54 billion in 2012), and surpluses continuing until 2020.
What happens after 2020? SSA’s reserves provide full payments until 2033. After that, tax revenue alone will provide about 75% of needed funds. Yes, Congress will have to increase revenue and/or cut benefits before then to close the gap.
The bottom line is that you’ll make better retirement decisions with accurate information. Best wishes for an abundant retirement, and as always, keep on planning.
Information reposted from: www.marketwatch.com
Do you have questions regarding Social Security Benefits?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014
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Hello friends and welcome to another week of Sunday Stylin Roundup. The last two weeks of summer were fantastic in Delaware, as a matter of fact the entire summer season was fantastic and Autumn is starting out just as nice.
The four outfits being featured this week include a lot of black, but who doesn’t have a lot of black in their closets?
In this outfit there is a mix of black, beige and steel grey. The skirt is JCPenney, tank and shoes are thrifted and purse is from Burlington Coat Factory. The choker has been in my jewelry box for a long time, as a matter of fact, I believe it once belonged to my grandmother.
I hadn’t done much shopping during the summer, however, this dress was one that I did buy at Ross. The Buddha Bag was purchased last year during Shop Small Business Saturday, and the Mia heels are from The Shoe Dept in the Exton Mall. The necklace was a Flea market find and the bracelet was $1.25 from Burlington Coat Factory.
Leaves falling on the pool deck made for a perfect backdrop for this Blue by the Pool outfit. This is another skirt from JCPenney, top from Marshall’s and I won the necklace from a fellow blogger. The thrifted beige pumps and bracelet from Old Navy completes the look.
I love turquoise blue – how about you?
In the last outfit you can tell that the temperatures are beginning to change as did my wardrobe. I will be wearing more long sleeves, blazers and cardigans so I spent more than 6 hours last Saturday in my closet, check out these before and after pics.
Unfortunately, I still have the spare bedroom to clear out – I had bags and bags of items to be donated to Goodwill – “Donate Stuff Create Jobs!”
I am not ready to cover my tootsies or wear tights, so I will continue wearing peep-toe shoes until the first snow fall.
How about you, are you ready to pull on the boots or shop for more summer styles? If you want to shop for more, go check out the sales at Shoedazzle or the BUY ONE GET ONE FREE SALE at JustFAB
Which outfit did you like the best?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends and welcome to the first post of my new mid-week feature, Wellness Wednesday. Each week we will be talking about a health and wellness topic, but not always in a clinical way, sometimes it will be comical and fun, so enjoy and join in on the conversation!
Autumn brings about a lot of changes one of which is fewer hours of sunlight, it gets darker earlier but that doesn’t necessarily mean we are going to bed earlier or getting more sleep. Long gone are the days of working from sunrise to sunset.
If you are anything like me, oftentimes you find yourself up late catching up on paperwork, paying bills, working on your blog or watching a late night talk show. We all know that not getting adequate sleep interferes with our ability to function properly or concentrate while driving, completing daily chores and staying alert at work. So how do we get a better night’s sleep, here are 8 tips:
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The bedroom should be a place for sleep, relaxation and intimacy only, no exercise or office equipment in the room.
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Colours can be stimulating make sure to choose colors that are soothing and relaxing like blue or green.
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Be comfortable, wear loose clothing or nothing at all, consider purchasing a new mattress and pillow. The room should be properly ventilated and slightly cool so that you can breathe well at night.
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Sleep in complete darkness and install dark curtains or use an eye mask if necessary.
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Try to sleep by 10pm and wake by 6am these are the hours that are ideal for melatonin secretion.
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Take a hot bath right before bed. A hot bath will calm you and it’s a perfect time to relieve some stress. Try adding essential oils like lavender or chamomile to promote relaxation.
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Limit EMF exposure. All electronics including TV, iPod, laptops and cell phones should be removed from the bedroom with the exception of an alarm clock but turn it away so the LED light doesn’t interrupt your sleep.
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Keep lights off when using the bathroom at night. Instead have a night-light in place to prevent stopping the production of melatonin.
Come on join in on the conversation, what are some of the ways that helps you get a good night’s sleep?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Disclosure: I am over-the-top excited to be partnering with Dollar Tree in sharing their special Anniversary Event Bonus Buys with you!
Hello friends,
It’s been almost a month since Malik left for college with a Rubbermaid bin filled with college dorm supplies. Now, you and I both know that he’s probably eaten or shared half of his snacks and most of his toiletries were left in the bathroom. I’m not stressing because at the Dollar Tree Anniversary Event I’ll be stocking up on more health/beauty supplies and snacks for him as well as household and cleaning supplies for myself.
At the Dollar Tree Anniversary Event you’ll be able to buy featured Bonus Buy items that contain up to 58% more FREE product and still only $1 each, talk about getting more bang for the buck! In addition to health/beauty and cleaning supplies, the other featured products include Sweets and Treats, which is just in time for Halloween; School Lunch/Pantry Essentials, so you can stock those shelves with after-school snacks and household items including Super Glue, baskets and bins which are definitely DIY crafting essentials.
Quantities are limited so make sure you shop the Dollar Tree Anniversary Event from September 28-October 11, 2014, to stock up on some of those great Bonus Buys for your home and/or dorm room needs. Oh, and if you want to purchase these items online to have them shipped to your local DollarTree store, just click here.
To learn more about new Dollar Tree products and contests as an email subscriber, sign up for their weekly email here: DollarTree
I am being compensated for this post, however, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Hello friends, each week I will put together a collage of my favorite outfits of the week, then post them here on Sunday Stylin RoundUp.
This first outfit I wore to the SITSGirls Bloggy Boot Camp in Philly. The skirt was a recent purchase from Burlington Coat Factory, as was the tote from Walmart. This tote bag was only $14.97 and they have a large selection in various colors, I will probably pick up another one in Cognac. The sandals and top are closet staples. The necklace and arm band are too old for me to remember where they were purchased but the red bracelet is from Old Navy.
As you can see, I love the tote and wore it again to work the following Monday with a thrifted faux wrap dress from Goodwill and thrifted beige pumps. Necklace from Rugged Wearhouse, bracelet and ring both from Old Navy.
On Sunday, I wore another totally thrifted outfit, dress and purse, however the blue pumps and necklace are from Avon. Ring and bracelet are from Old Navy, as you can see I picked up several, but for $1.99 each wouldn’t you?
If you haven’t noticed by now, black and red is one of my favorite color combinations, and this outfit is definitely one of my summer favs. I wear this thrifted skirt all year long, so you will probably see this entire outfit again with a blazer.
These were my favorite outfits from the first week in September, which one do you like the best?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends, and welcome to my last Weekend Wind-Down Party, the #WWDParty will continue with Danielle, Teresa, Nicole and Sarah, but I need to bow out for a minute. I do want you all to continue sharing and posting because I will be checking in on from time to time.
I did a few vlog reviews for ExpoTV, the first time ever, check this one out and let me know what you think.
Congratulations to our Featured Bloggers!
Feel free to copy and paste this button onto your blog and follow the party on Pinterest as you are also being featured there.
De Divah Deals
Snippets of Inspiration
A Living Sacrifice
Mustard Seed Mommy
Moms Who Save
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see ya when I see ya!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends and welcome to the first Fri-Yay of Autumn and the last Fri-Yay of the month…wow…where did September and the Summer go?
In honor of these two events today’s Friday Foodie Feature will not be one of my recipes, instead it’s an introduction to foods created by Chef David of 1st Tri Caterers.
1st Tri Caterers is a family owned and operated business in New Castle, DE that also sells the best carry out dinners every other Friday and their motto, “We get it Right on the 1st Tri” couldn’t be more accurate.
Chef David has been cooking for over 25 years, starting out first as a dishwasher and then moving onward and upward specializing in American and French Cuisine. Having prepared foods for President Obama and Vice President Biden, Chef David has also received rave reviews in the Taste of Wilmington for over 3 years and winning 1st Prize in the Taste of Wilmington Cook-off Contest.
Chef David a vegan himself is very health conscience, however, he knows how to satisfy his client’s palates with large portions of flavorful foods, including chicken, fish, shrimp, Moroccan Stew, Kale Salads, Pan Seared Norwegian Salmon with Crab and the best Ginger Lemonade I’ve ever tasted. Chef David is a seasonal cook who buys local so be sure to call for the latest menu offerings.
Having been in operation for only two years, thanks to word of mouth from customers and the support from his employer, The Sheraton Hotel, business is booming. Together with his wife Tammy, this blessed couple is creating a legacy for their family that I’m sure will continue to be successful.
If you wish to purchase a take out dinner, make sure to call or order online by Wednesday, and delivery to the local New Castle area is also available.
1st Tri Catering can prepare meals for 2 to 350 people, so if you want to have an intimate dinner for two on Valentine’s Day or your Anniversary, be sure to call Chef David at 1st Tri Caterers, he will make your day extra special.
1st Tri Caterers on Facebook
65 Chesterfield Drive, New Castle, DE 302-660-6310
Hours of operation: Friday – 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends, this time last week I was thinking about my birthday and getting sad, sad not because I was turning 53, but sad that Malik wouldn’t be home to celebrate with me.
At 2:19p.m., Friday afternoon I sent him the following text message, “Big Plans for the Weekend?”, but he never responded. I was up late working on my blog when I heard the roar of a loud engine similar to his car, but his is parked outside.
At 11:04 p.m. I sent him this text, “Someone has a loud engine like yours…thought it was you coming home. Have a wonderful weekend, love and miss ya!”
I continued working on my blog and then at 12:43 am, Malik called to wish me a Happy Birthday and asked if our neighbor, Mr. Reggie had delivered my gift. When I told him, no, he asked me to check the front door…yes, I am crying again as I write…I opened the front door and there stood my baby…the best birthday present I’ve ever received! I was so happy and surprised that we stayed up talking until 3:30 am, then he and his father continued the conversation until after 4:00 am.
I was so thankful to have him home even if was just for a little while because you know he had to go visit a few of his buddies. Later on we all went out as a family for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory at the Christiana Mall. It was the first time for all of us and the meal was delicious. Malik and I shared the Asian Lettuce Wrap, then I had a Skinny Mojito, Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp and took home a slice of Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake – “go hard or go home!”
It was nice being with all my men on my special day and that was all the gift I needed which was good because that’s the only gift I got…keep reading you’ll find out why.
Have you ever had an awesome birthday surprise?
Hubby and I got up early Sunday morning to drive him back down to Bowie State University which was once again hard to say “goodbye”, and I didn’t want to let him go, but I was thankful for his thoughtfulness in coming home for the weekend.
Today I am thankful for seeing another year, for my sons, my husband and his diligence in checking his account because someone had compromised his bank card which is why he couldn’t get me a gift. I am thankful they didn’t charge too much before he realized what was going on, please check your Debit/Bank cards regularly!
Now it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week? Check out what other’s have to say over at TheSitsGirls Challenge.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends, and welcome to the end of the season’s “You Choose The Shoes”. This weekend I have plans to clean out my closets, so if I find enough Fall contenders I may bring this feature back next month.
Again, I want to thank all of you for voting and leaving some really cool comments, it was fun and I hope you enjoyed it as well.
Now, let’s start with last week’s winner, the votes were overwhelming in favor of the Snakeskin Pumps from Target!
Similar to last week’s styles, you are voting Leopard against a Plain pair of pumps or Payless -vs- The Salvation Army #dressforless.
If it gets them more votes, I’ll tell ya that with the plain pumps the outfit is “totally thrifted”, but I don’t want to stuff the box – lol
Remember when I told you that Payless had stepped up their game by adding more ‘designer’ shoes, well this is a pair of their Christian Siriano from last season.
I love this thrifted dress from Goodwill paired with the purse from Avon.
So what do you think, can a Leopard work with stripes?
Or should there be less competition with a pair of plain beige pumps?
Have you made a decision – which one will you choose?
Take one last look then leave a comment below.
When you get a chance, head over to Robin Charmagne’s Blog to check out some of her great features.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends,
today is the first official day of Autumn but by now you’ve noticed that the blogs are filled with great recipes and awesome looking foods for Fall. Autumn is the season for hibernating indoors and cooking meals in anticipation of the cold winter winds and upcoming holidays. I am always looking for quick and easy family meals and now with Malik in college those with smaller portions.
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About The Author
Da Vinci is a lifestyle blogger and author who works to “Entertain – Educate – Empower” her audience. With her desire to help people and passion for food Da Vinci hopes to enrich the lives of her fellow home cooks while letting everyone know you can cook and be fabulous. For more information, please visit www.pocketsouschef.com or www.yourlifeafter25.com. Follow Da Vinci on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram@PocketSousChef.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, for which I receive small compensation if you place an order through the The Pocket Sous Chef link.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends, Happy Money Monday 
