Social Security and Medicare Updates Make Sure You’re Informed
Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com MARRY ME CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS
As we settle into the new year, we want to inform you of some
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
new Social Security and Medicare updates. These changes went into effect on the first of the year. Read on to see three changes this year. The maximum benefit you can receive has shifted this year,
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F. DIRECTIONS
depending on your age. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has made this change for the third year in a row to help keep up with rapid inflation. Those who retire at 70 will receive $4,873, while those who
retire at 62 will receive $2,710. If you retire at 65, or the usual retirement age, your benefit will max out at $3,822. You may have noticed a change in your monthly payment already! There’s also an increase in your Medicare Part B premium cost. Your monthly bill will rise by $9.80 to $174.70 for 2024 — that’s an increase of less than $120 per year. As a reminder, you can’t have your premium adjusted unless you appeal to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to show a significant change in your income. That change can be the result of divorce, the death of a spouse, loss of pension, a retirement, or other major life event. As usual, those with higher incomes will pay more because of IRMAA or income-related monthly adjustment amounts. There is also a change to the earnings used to determine a trial work period for Social Security Disability. It is now $1,100 per month. As a reminder, this trial work period is for those who want to test their ability to work while still being considered disabled by the SSA. The SSA does not stop disability payments until work has been performed for nine months in a rolling 60-month period; this timing does not have to be consecutive. These are just three of the updates that may affect your Social Security or Medicare benefits. If you haven’t yet retired, you can calculate your benefit on the SSA website. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you plan for your retirement. Call our office to set up an appointment today.
JUST WAIT FOR IT
must not interrupt it. It’s easy to discount how much progress is achievable while waiting around. They say a watched pot never boils. Just as with compounding, waiting to have your kindness reciprocated is a mode of interruption. It’s better to not interrupt the process. Just give freely for future happiness —set it and forget it. Housel expands on this thought process, too: “‘What are the odds the average American will be twice as rich 50 years from now?’ This question sounds a bit ambitious. Doubling what we currently have? Now, what if I said, ‘What are the odds we can achieve 1.4% average annual growth for the next 50 years?’ I almost sound like a pessimist. But those two numbers, of course, are the same. Let time work its magic.” Expecting an immediate response or regifting kindness isn’t the way to go about life. Maybe your kindness will lead to opportunities in your career, love life, or investments. Maybe it won’t. It’s best to adjust your expectations so your acts of kindness, and the more organic happiness it brings you, are enough. These quotes are just jumping-off points to reframe your thought process for this national kindness day. I encourage you to read these books too, center giving without expectations, and “let time work its magic.”
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