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Today’s BoomeR
Today’s Vol.2 No.1
Featuring The Only B2B Featuring The Only B2B Featuring The Only B2B ---Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!
Guarded OptimismGuarded OptimismGuarded Optimism In the Year of the SnakeIn the Year of the SnakeIn the Year of the Snake
2 Today’s BoomeR
Up Coming Cruises-
Book Now!
Exploring the Canary Islands 2013 “Credit Union FutureVision Symposium”
June 1-12, 2013
The Hawaii Islands Tropical Exploration 2013
“Credit Union Leadership & Growth Strategies Symposium”
July 20-27, 2013
Paris to Prague River Cruise “Credit Union Leadership Exploration
Symposium” August 16-27, 2013
Grand Mediterranean Odyssey 2013 “Credit Union Leadership Challenges
Symposium” September 15-27, 2013
Today’s BoomeR 3
Founder John Vardallas & Alexandra Maragha
Editor-In-Chief Alexandra Maragha
Contributing Writers :
Karyl Richson– Social Security
Gary Knowles– Travel Writer
Chef Eben Atwater- Healthy Eating
Advertising Team
For Letters to the Editor, articles and feedback
as well as advertising inquiries email
The American BoomeR.com
John Vardallas CAE, CUDE
CEO/Founder Professional Speaker
Business/Lifestyle Strategist
Boomer Sage and Blogger
(608) 577-8707
Alexandra Maragha
Co-Founder, Editor-In-Chief Today’s BoomeR
Today’s BoomeR Vol.2 No.1 Today’s BoomeR is published
six times (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/ June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct,
Nov/Dec) a year by The American BoomeR.com
769 North Star Drive (Suite 207) Madison, WI 53718 All rights
reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission
is prohibited.
The American Boomer
@American_Boomer
Today’s
This Issue
January / February 2013
Volume 2, Number 1
Boomer Hot Topics 5
Top Tips to Talk, “Tweet” 6
and Post Better in 2013
Boomer Travel 9
Destinations to Reignite Romance
Reinventing Yourself 12
in the New Economy
Your Social Security 13
Questions Answered
Make A Difference 14
SNAP to It!
Boomer Finance 15
Things that will cost More & Less in 2013
Boomer Healthy Eating 17
Make Something Nice with Spice
B2B Marketplace 20
Business 2 Boomers Marketplace
4 Today’s BoomeR
(feature) p. 10
p. 4
p. 12
Looking Ahead
EDITOR’S LETTER
Today’s
Alexandra Maragha
Editor-In-Chief
Send Letters and Feedback to: [email protected]
2013 is here! Chinese tradition maintains that 2013 is the year of the
snake. The snake is smart, coy, and clever, but is also ready to strike at any
time, leaving a sense of those around it to always be guarded.
For many, a new year means a time of renewal and setting forth to accom-
plish goals, both new and old. Others may hold professional and personal
obligations that follow them into the new year, leaving little room for new
prospects to be considered. Overall, many aspects of the current American
landscape have caused many to shift to a sense of “guarded optimism”,
where positive and optimistic approaches are guarded by a learned sense of
reality.
This issue takes a look ahead at 2013, while encouraging positive methods
of thought that can be applied to maintain a positive outlook to last the
whole year. “Tips to text, ‘tweet’ and post better in 2013” in this issue can
open doors to new relationships, interactions and opportunities while also
knowing how to “Reinvent yourself in the new economy” will aid with
career survival. Information from Social Security and featured article about
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are helping Boomers
across the country stay positive in any situation are also discussed.
If your goal is to travel, enjoy great company and great food, this issue also
provides Boomer travel destinations to reignite romance in your life while
offering tips and tricks to add more spice to your palette in our healthy
eating.
Overall, we at Today’s BoomeR are looking ahead to enjoy what is to come,
and never sweat the small stuff! We will continue to encourage Boomers
everywhere to stay positive, follow your dreams, and to Make A Difference!
We wish you a prosperous and positive year ahead!
Today’s BoomeR 5
Boomer Boomer Boomer HOT HOT HOT
Topics! Topics! Topics!
February is National Black History Month. Black History
Month started in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson which
started as only “Negro History Week”. In 1976 the federal
government acknowledged the expansion of Black History
Week to Black History Month.
2013: 2013: 2013:
According to According to According to the Chinese the Chinese the Chinese calendar is calendar is calendar is the year of the year of the year of the Snake. the Snake. the Snake.
Taxpayers may contribute Up
to $17,500 ($500 increase)
to their 401(k) plans in 2013
Source: Internal Revenue Service
40 % of Americans will
plan to make a New
Years resolution.
Source: John Norcross,
University of Scranton
Based on the increase in the
Consumer Price Index (CPI-W)
from the third quarter of 2011
through the third quarter of
2012, Social Security and
Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) beneficiaries will receive a
1.7 percent Cost-of-Living
Adjustment (COLA) for 2013.
Source: Social Security Administration
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. For women
ages 21-65 years, regular cervical cancer screening can help
prevent cancer. Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
$103: The average amount
that one person will spend
on Valentine’s Day
Source: National Retail Federation
6 Today’s BoomeR
By Alexandra Maragha www.AlexandraMedia.com
When it comes to communicating, personally and profes-
sionally, there are a few key points to consider enhancing
and perfecting your communication skills, especially as
new media leads to way to connect with others. Set your
sights in 2013 to energize your networking regiment to
include social media and all its aspects to broaden your
communicative horizons.
1. Identify Your Purpose
Although this may seem simple, the reason why you are
communicating can become confusing for many people,
especially when on social media outlets. Understanding
why you have created a profile on multiple social media
outlets can define your purpose. Also understanding the
purpose and capabilities of each social media outlet is key
in determining the type of activity, audience and messages
that you will send. Knowing that Twitter limits each post to
140 characters with photo capabilities would not be a
direct match for sending a long press release directly to
your twitter followers, but would rather serve better for
including the link to that release that would be posted
elsewhere. Likewise, if your purpose is to connect with
family on a personal level, you may not seek to do that on
a social media site such as LinkedIn, that is focused on
professional online networking.
2. Define Your Audience
Who are you communicating with? By not only knowing,
but being aware of who you are communicating with, your
message can become better tailored to fit that audience.
In personal settings, such as communicating with family
members or friends, the method and manner in which you
speak, or send messages will often times be different than
if you were contacting a colleague or business client. The
level of formality, language and method of communication
(in-person, phone, email etc.) can all depend on who you
are communicating to. Facebook allows each user to con-
trol who is seeing information that you post. Within your
“friends” list you can categorize each person as being
“close friends” “acquaintance” or even a customized title,
thus allowing your posts to then be categorized according
to who you want to see it.
3. Listen, Don’t Just Hear
One of the most common reasons for miscommunication
is from lack of listening skills. We live in a sound bite world
where messages have been created to catch our attention
in 30-60 second intervals. This has transferred into how
many (especially younger generations) come to take in and
digest information, where messages are heard but are not
fully understood because they are not being listened to.
Likewise, communicating online or through a text some-
times assumes a different communicative decorum, leav-
ing one to treat interactions differently than if they were
face to face. Common courtesy within each message and
conversation still applies from behind any screen. Also re-
sponding to those who interact with you/your business on
social sites is equally important in building better relation-
ships based on critical listening and understanding. No
matter the medium it is crucial to pay attention to what is
being said.
4. Content is Key Without Repetition
One of the most important things is to post messages and
content without overkill. While you want to be thorough in
getting your message across and ensuring that it is getting
the most exposure, (posting certain times of day or posting
on multiple social networking outlets) it is important not
to bombard your audience with the same message over
and over. Your content is why people will engage with you
on different platforms (many times the same people will
network with you on multiple sites) therefore, it is im-
portant to keep the content fresh, exciting, and relevant to
what your purpose is without turning people off, and with-
out making your Twitter, Facebook and website all look
the same.
Top 10 Tips to
Talk, Text, “Tweet”
and Post Better in
2013
Today’s BoomeR 7
5. Always Question to Know More
No question is a dumb question. We have all heard this
saying before but it is an important part of communi-
cating. Sometimes an email, message or post that is di-
rected to you can be vague, reflecting sometimes an un-
derstood way of communicating through online mediums
in short phrases rather than complete thoughts. Respond-
ing to others is what stimulates dialogue between you and
your social network, as well displays that you are active
and participating in that network which will be appreciat-
ed by those who are connected with you.
6. Know When to Send Messages
Timing is everything! The worst thing is to communicate
with someone at a bad time. Sending out a press release,
article, new product information, or announcing an event
all must consider the timing and time frame in which the
messages are sent with relation to the audience and pur-
pose of the message to ensure a successful and desired
outcome of that message. Sending a “tweet” or posting
on Facebook or LinkedIn in the middle of the night may
not hold the same weight and impact of visibility as if you
were to post in the morning or afternoon. It is important
to test the timing (post in the morning, afternoon, evening
or weekend) of when your messages are being received
based on the feedback or number of direct interactions
that you will receive from each message from a certain
time frame. Facebook has a feature that allows for posts
on Pages to be scheduled for the future, (located in the
status box by clicking on the clock icon) so if you want to
test this, you do not have to login at 3am.
7. Realize All Possible Outcomes of Messages Sent
Most of the time, messages are sent with an intended pur-
pose to cause a desired outcome that is calculated, but it
is important to note that messages are interpreted and
understood according to audience background and frame
of reference, the setting and environment in which the
message is sent and received. Some of the most common
communicative “flubs” (think this past election season)
occur when all possible outcomes of messages are not
considered. This is not to say that you are trying to please
all when communicating in a group setting, but it is im-
portant to craft messages with realizing all outcomes in
mind to maintain a clear message to all.
8. Get to Know Your Online Neighbors
Part of successful communication is simply observing the
environment around you. By searching others who are in a
similar profession or type of business, you can look to
build a successful network and also look to see who is al-
ready on your block. While social media profiles are dis-
tinct to you and your business or craft, it is good to know
what exists so that you may further define yourself and
stand out among others.
9. Consider the “Big Picture”
Most communication is instantaneous (speaking directly to
someone or a group) and thus, many associate this type of
communication to be “short term”, where little advanced
planning takes place prior to communicating. Even so, our
everyday conversations and interactions hold long term
effects on the relationships that are built and maintained.
It is always important to consider that an ongoing relation-
ship (personal or professional) will be determined and
maintained from every “short term” interaction. Likewise,
a message that is communicated now will most likely
always exist and could be referenced to in the future.
10. Be Aware That Someone is Always Listening:
We all have people who look to know what we have to say
about certain things. Especially in a world where everyone
is connected online, you never know who is listening to
what you are saying, so be aware of the information you
put out there as it will travel beyond your known audience
base and be heard by others connected on the web and
social spheres!
8 Today’s BoomeR
B
OO
ME
R T
RA
VE
L
BO
OM
ER
TR
AV
EL
Reignite RomanceReignite RomanceReignite Romance Light your spark with that someone Light your spark with that someone Light your spark with that someone
special at these sweet spotsspecial at these sweet spotsspecial at these sweet spots
Story and Photos by Gary Knowles
The Seth Peterson Cottage
It’s time for a reminder that a little romance is good for the body and soul. “A sweetheart is what a sweetheart does” they say. So here is a selection of carefully chosen getaway sugges-tions to help sweeten relationships any time of the year. All offer creative pampering to make great memories. Check well in advance to find special packages or seasonal offers. Many have limited availability, especially around the major holidays so book early and let the sparks of romance fly!
Today’s BoomeR 9
The Seth Peterson Cottage - by Frank Lloyd Wright – Mirror Lake, WI www.SethPeterson.org
This is the dream cabin vision of most geta-way romantics. It includes a cozy cottage in the forest with sun-light streaming in, a fireplace, a comfortable bed overlooking a pristine Wisconsin Lake – and yes, it is blissfully secluded. Breakfast is included. A unique bonus? How about designed by America’s most revered architect? Yes, this is it. And it’s the only one. Wrightophiles know it and it’s in very high demand year-round, so you must book well in advance. But it’s worth waiting for. You and your special someone can call it your own and you’ll forever treasure the memory of your stay here. Two nights are generally re-quired. The Seth Petersen Cottage is on beautiful Mir-ror Lake State Park near the Wisconsin Dells where you’ll find nightlife, entertainment, tours, and fine din-ing at Fields at the Wilderness or the famous Del-Bar.
Maple Wood Lodge – Mineral Point, WI www.MapleWoodlodge.com
Here’s a secluded paradise on a beautiful country es-tate near historic Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Maple Wood Lodge is a comfortable two level post-and-beam home set on 26 wooded acres. Operated by partners John Fetters and the actor Coleman, it’s a showcase of work by local artists with a fully-equipped kitchen, liv-ing room, dining room, three bedrooms, two baths, Jacuzzi, stereo, satellite TV, internet access and a sky full of twinkling stars. Hike, bike or ski in-season. A quick trip to town takes you to galleries, artist studios, theatre and shops. Fine dining options include Brewery Creek Pub (microbrewery) or Mineral Point Dining Company on Commerce Street.
The Rittenhouse Inn – Bayfield, WI www.RittenhouseInn.com
With glowing reviews by major travel and dining maga-zines, Rittenhouse Inn (and her sister property, Cha-teau Boutin) are grand romantic Victorians offering a variety of rooms with Jacuzzis, fireplaces, four-posters and views of spectacular Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. Lovingly restored by Jerry and Mary Phillips
and now in the able hands of son Mark and daughter-in-law Wendy, the inns’ twenty guest rooms are what other BnBs aspire to be. Acclaimed for gourmet dining, Rittenhouse was a leader of the “slow food move-ment” before it had a name. The Inn is listed in the best seller “1000 Things to Do Before You Die”. Special themed weekend packages feature red wine, choco-
lates, Valen-tines Day, birding, mar-tinis and a “Wild Gour-met” dinner. Take your partner for a romantic hike in the snow covered for-est or go for a ride on a dog sled. In sum-mer, stroll the secluded white sand beach at Big Bay State
Park on Madeline Island, get aboard the Apostle Is-lands Sunset Cruise, charter a sailboat or catch a show at Big Top Chautauqua. Chances are good you’ll be back for more of this special place.
Dog Sledding at The Rittenhouse Inn
Rittenhouse Inn
10 Today’s BoomeR
The Mandolin Inn – Dubuque, IA www.mandolininn.com
This Victorian mansion was built by one of Dubuque’s pioneers and features eight comfy guest rooms, ex-traordinary woodwork, art and antiques. The elegant inn takes its name from the mandolin player gracing a
priceless Tiffany win-dow. Innkeeper Ann Boynton is attentive, gracious and serves fab-ulous full breakfasts. For a touch of Hollywood ask for the cheery “Sunset Suite” and sleep in the bed Kevin Costner enjoyed while visiting for a Field of Dreams
movie reunion. Stroll along the ridge in Eagle Park for stunning views of the Mississippi, sip cabernet at Stone Cliff Winery and ride up the bluff on the Fenlon Place Elevator. For romantic dining try Pepper Sprout (Midwest Cuisine) or Catfish Charlie’s Supper Club.
The Inn at Wawanissee Point – Near Devils Lake, Baraboo, WI www.InnatWawanisseePoint.com
Experience exquisite Euro-quality luxury and hospitali-ty in this modern Bavarian-style mountain lodge. It’s south of Baraboo, Wisconsin about fifty-minutes north of Madison VIA Hwy 12 with a short jog east into the Baraboo Range near Devil’s Lake State Park. From the tall front windows of this majestic inn look out over
Lake Wisconsin and see the State Capitol Dome thirty-five miles away. Dave and Trudy Holdener are your hosts at this remarkable forty-two acre estate. “Wawanissee” is a Ho-Chunk word that translates as
“beautiful” and the Inn more than lives up to that. Hospitality comes naturally to Dave and Trudy. He served guests as food and beverage manager of Chica-go’s Palmer House while Trudy pampered Lufthansa passengers as a flight attendant. Today they welcome you with wine and cheese in a cozy bar room over-looking the Lake Wisconsin basin.
Choose from four luxurious rooms. The “TePee Room,” Mission styled with a private balcony; “Bordeaux,” with two person whirlpool; “Bird’s Nest” features a massage tub; “Secret Garden” is privacy plus with a canopy bed. Amenities include plush robes, satellite HD-TV, internet and access to private estate grounds. Each morning Trudy prepares a hearty gourmet country breakfast. You’re greeted with
brewed coffee and fruit salad followed by an extravagant variety of creations like corn muffins, coffee cake, scones, granola, farm-fresh egg frittatas or eggs en cocotte.
Just out the front door you’ll have access to forest trails first used by HoChunk and Pota-watomi people. Near-by jaunts take you to shops or the historic Al Ringling Theater in Baraboo, Circus World Museum, eagle spotting in Sauk Prairie, wine tasting at Wollersheim Winery or gaming at HoChunk Casino.
*Gary Knowles, is a free-lance writer and communications consultant based in Madison, Wisconsin. He is the author of The Great
Wisconsin Touring Book – 30 Spectacular Auto Tours and can be heard as “Travel Advisor” on the “Tell Joy Where to Go” edition of the
Joy Cardin Show on Wisconsin Public Radio
The Inn at Wawanissee Point, Baraboo, WI
Baraboo Range, Baraboo, WI
Today’s BoomeR 11
Hotel Monteleone-New Orleans, LA www.hotelmontelone.com
There are a handful of places that are synonymous with New Orle-ans and dating back to 1886 the Hotel Monteleone is one of them. The long-standing stature of the hotel is not the only thing that makes it one of the most popular in New Orleans but the hotel’s location on Royal Street in the French Quarter makes it for easy walking to literally any popular attraction in New Orleans and for those places located little farther away the trolley is close at hand.
The rooms are equipped with every-thing you need and if it isn’t there – ask for it – like magic you will have it at your fingertips.
Vacationing within the hotel is wonderful too. You will want to sneak a peek at the rooftop swimming pool. Not only is it wonderfully refreshing to take a dip after shopping all day but I recommend you visit the rooftop swimming pool at sunset – what a romantic and beautiful setting and what a view of the city there can’t be many better. The Carousel Bar is filled with a circus motif and sensational sights and literally rotates around and around. From the picturesque car-ousel designs to the inspirational writings of Truman Capote, Wil-liam Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, to name a few and the live piano music the Carousel Bar is loved by visitors and locals alike. For some of the best oysters and casual New Orleans fare stop in the hotel’s Aft Deck Oyster Bar. Looking for a place to “pop” the question or just enjoy a romantic dinner – the ambiance, menu and wine selec-tion of the hotel’s Hunt Room Grill meet the bill.
Blackberry Farm– Walland, TN. www.blackberryfarm.com
Try this Tennessee getaway in the romantic Smoky Mountains. The Inn at Blackberry Farm offers romance in a remote setting on 1,100 acres. Fly fishing for trout, hiking, tennis, swimming, jogging, golf, canoeing, white-water rafting and mountain biking are just a few of the activities available at or nearby to this elegant mountain top retreat. Licensed instructors and experienced guides are at your disposal. Or try you relaxation skills out on the veranda where the
breathtaking views mesmerize. To further relax, indulge yourself in a massage, manicure, pedicure, or facial.
Blackberry Farm offers 44 estate rooms and suites each exuding an English cottage feel, appointed with English style antiques and fluffy feather beds. The most deluxe accommodations offer a king-size feather bed, a wood-burning fireplace, sitting area, whirlpool bath and a double vanity, pantry, walk-in closet, and a covered porch with rocking chairs. Accommodations and rates are based upon a Full-American Plan, which includes three gourmet meals, all pantry snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel– New York, NY www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork
New York has always been a favorite destination for lovers to get away and take a bite out of The Big Apple. With a whirlwind of non-stop activities to discover, it can sometimes be hard to remember to slow down and balance seeing the sights of the city with recon-necting as a couple. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is just the oasis to help you do both- absorb the city and spice up your relationship.
The Mandarin Oriental is the perfect balance of east-meets-west. Luxurious accommoda-tions and amenities with customized service abound. The décor is stunning in textural detail with a restrained Asian opulence. Lay-ers of the finest materials blanket the hotel, from the marble floors to the leather chairs and banquettes to the guest rooms done in pale tones of cream, grey and the occasional use of black, for just a hint of drama. It’s simply nothing but the finest without fussi-
ness wher-ever your mind and body may wander.
Take in afternoon tea or a bite of lunch in the Lobby Lounge and enjoy gracious service with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city skyline. Have a pre-dinner cocktail in the smooth-as-silk MObar, just off the lobby, and then head to the Mandarin’s French-Japanese restaurant, Asiate, for nothing short of a spectacu-lar dining experience with stunning views of the city at night, as well as the restaurant’s dramatic interior.
Want to Go a Little Further? Check out These Other Romantic
Places that are Sure to Get You in the Mood
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Blackberry Farm
Hotel Monteleone
12 Today’s BoomeR
By John A. Vardallas, Founder/CEO
The American BoomeR
Reinventing yourself is no longer a career
strategy reserved for Hollywood entertain-
ers or politicians. In today’s economy it’s
necessary for survival. About one half of all
Americans 45 to 54 years old reports being
dissatisfied with their jobs, according to a
recent survey by the Conference Board, a
research organization based in New York.
Even though the economy is picking up
speed, economists are forecasting a jobless
expansion in some industries for the next
few years. During the last economic down-
turn, organizations paid the price for main-
taining large staffs; they are reluctant to
“staff up” again. The result is that lay-offs
and downsizing will continue to be com-
monplace, and for Boomers, “Work-
Tirement” will be part of our new golden
years. Part-time workers will be in demand.
If you are unhappy with your job and your
intuition tells you a job layoff is imminent,
it’s a good idea to have a strategy to main-
tain your professional and personal edge.
And if you’re considering a career change,
there are actions to take to make this hap-
pen. Don’t be bitter, make yourself better.
In a nutshell, you’ll want to be prepared to
reinvent yourself.
Conduct a Professional & Personal
Development Inventory
Make an honest assessment of your market-
able skills and determine which can be
transferred to another career.
Networking is critical to professional devel-
opment and potential career change. Most
people find a new job through personal con-
tacts. Ask your friends and colleagues about
opportunities in the areas you are interested
in pursuing. Think of your network as your
personal database that needs to be continu-
ally refined and updated.
Identify Your Professional Goals
What do you really want to be doing with
the next five, ten years of your life? The
days of lifelong employment are a thing of
the past—most of us will have several ca-
reers in our work life.
If you are considering a new career, re-
search what additional skills and training do
you need to bring to the employment table?
Additional training
doesn’t necessarily
mean going back to
school, but it could
mean courses at night,
weekends or online.
After conducting your
inventory, it may in-
clude technical and
online courses, training in a new technolo-
gy, or advanced college coursework. Volun-
teer work is a great way to obtain both skills
and experience. It’s an inexpensive method
of trying out a new career without a large
professional or emotional investment. It’s
also a way to make new connections.
Develop the Ability to Respond
to Change
Change is hard for everybody—it is one
constant that pervades our professional and
personal lives. Change is the business
world. The work environment will continue
to change rapidly and you need to adapt or
be left behind. “Mobility/remote readiness”
is trait of successful professionals; it is the
ability and willingness to make a geograph-
ical move rather than staying in the same
place of your birth, family or first job. Suc-
cessful professionals sometimes need to
sacrifice comfort or location to follow ca-
reer opportunities. Technology also has
made location less of a factor.
Develop flexibility to be able to adapt and
adjust to changing situations and different
work patterns so you are not tied to a partic-
ular job or type of organization. Starting a
new career can mean a smaller paycheck
and less prestige. It’s a good idea to have
savings for at least six months of living ex-
penses for a safety net.
Become a survivor—one with resiliency
who is not thrown by crisis, defeats, or fail-
ures. You want to bounce back, learn from
failure, and realize things could be worse—
keep a positive attitude and
Never Let Go of Your Dreams! (And if all
else fails, you can always hire yourself and
create your own future!)
Note: Opportunities Will Be There….as the
Baby Boomer generation approaches
retirement age, the pool of replacement
workers will not be large enough to meet
employer’s demands.
Strategies to Improve
Your Economic Prospects
Keep Up Your Skills
Do Not Limit Yourself to
One Employment
Sector
Market Yourself
Build Networks & Keep
Up with Technology
Learn to Live Beneath
Your Means
Learn to Think Outside
the Organizational Box
Reward Yourself
Periodically by
Celebrating Your
Accomplishments
Make Yourself a Valued
Employee by Stepping
Up & Doing More
Reinventing
Yourself in the
New Economy:
2013 Career
Survival
Strategies
Today’s BoomeR 13
Social Security:
Your Questions Answered for the New Year
RETIREMENT
Question: I’m reaching my full retirement age and
thinking about retiring in early 2013. When is the best
time of year to apply for Social Security benefits?
Answer: If you are planning to retire in early 2013,
you can apply now. You can apply as early as four
months prior to when you want your monthly benefits
to begin. To apply, just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/
applytoretire. Applying online for retirement benefits
from the convenience of your home or office is secure
and can take as little as 15 minutes. It’s so easy!
Question: My wife and I live in Minnesota, but plan
to spend the winter in New Mexico. My wife will turn
62 while we are down south. Can she apply for bene-
fits in New Mexico, or do we have to wait until we get
back home to apply for retirement at our local Social
Security office?
Answer: These days, you don’t even have to be near
a Social Security office to apply for benefits. Regard-
less of where you and your wife are living, you can
apply for retirement benefits online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. It’s so easy to
do, and it can take as little as 15 minutes to complete
and submit the application. If she prefers, your wife
can file a retirement benefit application at any Social
Security office — including the one closest to you in
Minnesota, New Mexico, or wherever you happen to
be.
DISABILITY
Question: I am about to apply for Social Security dis-
ability benefits. I have two children, ages 9 and 12. If
my application is approved, will they get benefits,
too? Or do the children also have to be disabled to
qualify for benefits on my record?
Answer: If you qualify for Social Security disability
benefits, your children may receive dependent’s bene-
fits based on your work record, even if they’re not
disabled themselves. As
long as you receive benefits, their benefits will contin-
ue until they reach age 18, or until age 19 if they are
still in high school. If your children are disabled, how-
ever, at the time that they reach age 18, they may be
able to continue receiving benefits into adulthood. For
more information, visit our website on disability bene-
fits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
Question: I am 57 years old and I currently receive
Social Security disability benefits. Can I still get my
regular Social Security retirement benefits when I
reach full retirement age?
Answer: If you are still receiving Social Security disa-
bility benefits when you reach your full retirement
age, we will automatically switch you from disability
benefits to retirement benefits at that point. The
money amount will remain the same. For more infor-
mation, visit our website on disability benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Question: I’m 38 years old and have been approved
to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disa-
bility benefits. I was surprised to learn that my pay-
ment will be reduced because I live with my mom.
Why’s that?
Answer: SSI is a needs-based program, so any other
income you receive — including non-monetary income
such as help with your bills or other expenses — can
have an effect on your benefit payment. Your SSI
payments may be reduced if you are receiving food,
shelter, or monetary assistance. If you move, or if the
situation in your mom’s household changes, be sure
to contact Social Security. For more information, visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
By Karyl Richson , Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
14 Today’s BoomeR
Make a Difference: SNAP to it!
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps Baby Boomers across states
Would you walk past a $20 bill lying on the ground? Being eligible for SNAP but not taking advantage of it is a lot
like walking past $20 or more month after month. SNAP is a federal food assistance program which provides a
monthly grocery benefit to people with low- or fixed-incomes. Think of it like a bonus to your monthly Social
Security check or pension. Or a monthly coupon you don’t even need to cut out!
SNAP is the federal name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Each state administers the program
and has the option of branding the program with a different name. It’s known as FoodShare in Wisconsin, the
Food Assistance Program in Michigan and SNAP in Illinois, Iowa and
Minnesota.
If your household has less income than that shown in the chart, chances are
high that you could be eligible for this monthly benefit. According to the USDA,
two-thirds of eligible people 60 and older are not claiming SNAP which could
stretch food budgets both before and during retirement.
Claiming SNAP has a strong impact in your community: everyone wins. You
can stretch your budget and put more healthy, nutritious food on your table.
The local economy where SNAP dollars are spent is impacted too. The USDA
estimates that for every $5 spent in SNAP, nearly $9 circulates through local
businesses and to our farmers who work so hard to provide fresh produce to
their communities.
Benefits are delivered on a debit-like card, referred to as EBT in many states, and are used at the grocery check-
out. Any amount left on your card at the end of the month will carry over into the next month for up to one year. If
you don’t use the full amount on your card, it rolls over month after month for up to one year. Eligible purchases
include meats and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and breads and cereals. Grocery purchases are allowable
as long as they are not hot and prepared (such as hot rotisserie chickens). You can even purchase seeds and plants
to grown your own food! Why buy one tomato when you can grow twenty?
Most retail stores accept SNAP benefits, in addition to many farmers’ markets and convenience stores.
SNAP Facts:
You may be eligible even if you own a home and car.
Most people only receiving Social Security and even a small pension are eligible!
Getting benefits does not take away from others. Everyone who is eligible will get
benefits.
The minimum allotment for a one- or two-person household is $16 per month. That is about 5 lbs of pork
shoulder, 10 cans of tuna, 8 cartons of eggs or 4 gallons of milk!
SNAP is funded by the federal government. Don’t miss out on money that can stretch your budget and help
your community and its farmers.
To find out if you might be eligible and to learn more about the program in Wisconsin, call Second Harvest
Foodbank’s FoodShare Helpline at 1-877-366-3635 today! If you live in another state, you can call Second
Harvest’s Helpline whose friendly volunteers will give you the contact information for your state.
Today’s BoomeR 15
Boomer Finances:
Life's Necessities Could Cost
You $3,794 More in 2013 By Rich Smith, The Motley Fool
"The only things certain in life are death and taxes."
-- Benjamin Franklin
Actually, make that death, taxes, and inflation.
Surveying the raft of end-of-year surveys floating around
right now, it quickly becomes apparent that not only are
our taxes set to rise in 2013, but the cost of a whole lot of
other stuff is going up, too. The question is: How much
more expensive will life get in the new year? Here are the
grim statistics.
Food: $480
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center
for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, your average Ameri-
can family of four spent $236.60 a week on groceries in
2012, roughly $1,000 a month. Thanks in large part to this
past summer's drought, that number will rise in 2013.
The USDA estimates that grain prices will be about 3%
higher in the new year. Add in the cost of converting grain
to meat and dairy products, and food items could take an
even bigger bite out of your budget. When all's said and
done, expect your grocery bill to go up about 4% in the
new year. Call it $40 a month.
Health care: $247
The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that this same
average U.S. family of four spent about $4,129 on health
insurance premiums in 2012. Other researchers estimate
we spent an average of $962 on top of those premiums, in
out-of-pocket spending (OOPS) on medical costs.
Even if you're an optimist, though, and assume those
OOPS costs hold steady in 2013, benefits analyst Aon
Hewitt says you should expect a 6% hike in the cost of em-
ployee health care premiums alone: an extra $247, give or
take (more likely taken), out of your paycheck.
Getting around: $3,000
Getting to work these days generally requires the use of a
car. And whether your ride is a Tesla (TSLA) Model S, a
me-too electric like the Lexus CT
200h, or even a humdrum Hyundai, expect higher sticker
prices in the new year.
Tesla's bumping the price of its flagship electro-sedan a
cool
$2,500
to
$59,900
in 2013.
The
cheaper
2013
Lexus is
rising
nearly $3,000 in price. Meanwhile, the $2,000 price hike
at Hyundai -- the "econobox" car company -- represents a
staggering 16% price hike to $14,545. Of the three, Lexus'
buggy sells closest to the 2012 average cost of a new car --
$30,748. So don't be surprised if many of the cars you
window-shop this new year cost about $3,000 more than
they used to.
Computing costs: $20
It's hard to live in this modern world without the Internet
and a computer to connect you to it. Unfortunately, Mi-
crosoft (MSFT) knows that, and it's probably why Mr.
Softy feels it can safely raise prices on its latest edition of
Microsoft Office by as much as 17% in 2013.
Next year, expect an Office Home & Student 2013 disk
containing Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote to set
you back $140 -- $20 more than Office 2010 did last year.
If you need the more powerful Office Home & Business
2013 suite, that'll come with a similar $20 bump (to
$220).
Everything else: $47
These days, it seems most everyone buys most everything
online. That's bad news for two reasons. First, the more
sales tax deals Amazon.com (AMZN) signs with several
states, the more likely you are to get hit with higher trans-
?
16 Today’s BoomeR
action costs on online purchases.
And that's just the start. After you've
bought an item online, you still have
to get it shipped.
That's particularly distressing, be-
cause in December, both FedEx
(FDX) and UPS (UPS) announced
they're raising rates. FedEx says it's
hiking the cost of shipping via FedEx
Express by 3.9% on Jan. 7, and up-
ping the cost of FedEx Ground ser-
vice by 4.9%. Taking its cue, UPS
said it will raise its own UPS Air
rates 4.5%, and UPS Ground will cost
4.9% more.
Now consider that InternetRetail-
er.com estimated that the average
consumer spent about $1,207 online
in 2012. Consider further that alt-
hough many online stores advertise
their goods as coming with "free
shipping," there's rarely such a thing
as a free lunch. Generally speaking,
when an e-tailer says it will ship
something "for free," it means the
shipping cost has been built into the
item's price. That being the case,
online shopping in 2013 could con-
ceivably cost you $47 more than it
did last year... just to guarantee Fed-
Ex and UPS their Christmas bonus.
*Motley Fool contributor Rich Smith
thinks higher taxes and more inflation
are still better than the alternative.
Slightly. The Motley Fool owns shares of
Amazon.com, Microsoft, and Tesla Mo-
tors. Motley Fool newsletter services rec-
ommend Amazon.com, FedEx, Microsoft,
Tesla Motors , and United Parcel Service.
By Kelli B. Grant
Shutterstock.com
As the economy recovers, rising
prices can seem inevitable. But
they’re not universal.
Experts say some items and expens-
es are bucking the trend, and may
actually be cheaper in the new year.
In some cases, the drop is due to
evolving technology and increased
competition. In others, shoppers are
making choices that may result in
lower bills—without leaving them
feeling deprived.
In particular, the cost of these four
essentials may seem less daunting in
2013:
Automobiles
Used-car values have been on an up-
swing in recent years, with lower
supply from fewer leases and inven-
tory cleared out by 2009’s federal
Cash for Clunkers program.
But after peaking in 2011, used-car
prices have begun to ebb again.
“Consumers shopping for a used car
will find that pricing will be more
affordable in 2013 than in 2012,”
says Alec Gutierrez, senior market
analyst for Kelley Blue Book. He ex-
pects prices to be 1% to 2% lower
by the first quarter, and 3% to 4%
lower by the end of 2013. Many of
the new used-car supply will be re-
cent off-lease returns.
Drivers in the market for a new car
may also see some savings, although
that opportunity is more about the
ability to downsize than falling
prices.
Compacts and subcompacts in the
$25,000-and-under category are get-
ting more features typically found in
full-size and luxury cars, Gutierrez
says.
“That’s part of what’s been driving
additional sales in the smaller-car
segments,” he says. The category
also includes a few hybrids, such as
the popular $20,000 Toyota Prius C.
Cable television
The cable bill itself isn’t getting any
cheaper: Prices for expanded basic
service rose 5.4% in 2011 from the
year before, according to the Federal
Communications Commission. But
there may be less need to pony up
for a subscription.
Talk of cord-cutting—ditching paid
television subscriptions in favor of a
combination of free and cheaper
streaming options—has been on the
rise in recent quarters, as providers
like Netflix and Amazon.com gain
more partnerships to stream movies
and television shows. During the
third quarter of 2012, providers lost
an estimated 127,000 subscribers,
according to reports from research
firm Sanford C. Bernstein, after los-
ing 400,000 in the second quarter.
But experts say the trend isn’t yet an
option for everyone. Live sports
aren’t always available for stream-
ing viewers, nor are many TV
shows—especially those on
premium channels.
Flat-screen TVs
It has become cheaper and easier
for manufacturers to make large
flat-screens, which has steadily
pushed set prices down.
Average prices for 32-inch sets
have dropped nearly 50% since
2010, from $600 to just below the
$300 mark, says Mike Fridgen,
chief executive of price-
comparison site Decide.com.
4 Things That Will
Cost Less in 2013
Today’s BoomeR 17
BOOMER HEALTHY EATING:
Make Something Nice with Spice!
Back to Basics We’ll begin the conversation with a big caveat. While we hate to be the bearers of bad news, fact is, if you want to do herbs and spices right, you’re probably go-ing to need to throw away everything in your cabinet (yep, we said it). If you’re buying your spices at the su-permarket, it’s time for the round file. Spices and sea-sonings depend on two things for their power: quality and freshness. No matter how cute the bottle is, chanc-es are that the stuff you see in most markets is… better left on those shelves rather than yours. So, bad news delivered, do yourself a huge favor and first honestly
There’s an all too common misconception that ‘spicy’ means hot, and/or ‘highly spiced’. We’re here this time around to tell you that it is not necessarily so. Fact is, spicy can be very simple, like the Roman classic pasta, Cacio y Pepe or house made blends.
assess your supplies. If your spices are over a year old, ge-neric brands from the market, or sealed wedding gifts from thirty seven years ago, or don’t smell, look, feel and taste fresh, toss ‘em and make a brand new start! Now for some good news! When it comes to buying spices these days, it’s more likely than not that if you do an internet search ‘spice’ and ‘your town’, some-thing will come up. If it does, go there first, meet and greet, poke around and build yourself a new supply. You don’t need a huge supply if you don’t use a huge supply, and that applies to both quantity and variety. Get enough to last a month or two, and then make shopping for fresh herbs, spices and season-ings a regular part of your rou-tine. Check out these fine folks: www.worldspice.com www.penderys.com www.penzeys.com
Eben Atwater is a Chef and writer who began cooking professionally in the 1970’s in Washington State and Idaho. In addition to a
food blog he publishes with his wife and partner-in-crime Monica, Eben is an accomplished musician and instrument maker. He
lives in western Washington State where he manages a bakery-café. Visit www.urbanmonique.com
Recipes and Photos from
Chef Eben and Monica Atwater
www.urbanmonique.com
18 Today’s BoomeR
www.butcherpacker.com When it’s herbs you’re after, you’re much better off growing your own than any oth-er option out there, and whether you live in 950 square feet or on 95 acres, you can and should do so, with starters or seeds as you see fit. A 10” x 18” box in a window sill is enough room to provide growing space for the basics. Here’s our little outdoor herb garden, in December, in western Washington State, on the porch of that 950
square foot apartment. You can and dry whatever is left over at season’s end. Herbs you’ve grown and
dried last summer trump anything from any store, every time, and a cheap food
drier is well worth the minimal invest-ment required. Another pro trick for rustling up great taste is to get your stuff whole, whenever possible. If you’ve been buying your herbs and spices pre-ground, smashed, mixed, etc, stop right there! Buy yourself a $10 coffee grinder and dedicate it to herbs and spices. Okay, so we’ve got the supply issues ironed out, let’s talk about your personal spice space. If you’re investing in truly good herbs and spices, they need to be
properly stored out of direct sunlight and in a place where they can enjoy steady, moderate temperature and humidity. The process starts with good jars with glass or good metal lids, such as these offered by World Spice, (They have ½ cup sizes too),
Today’s BoomeR 19
and if need be, relocate your spice stor-age to provide the right conditions.
Blend Your Flavor Now that we have the basics handled, let’s get after building some stuff! The very first thing we need to deal with is blends- from ‘Italian seasoning’ to ‘Chili Powder’, the shelves are stocked with little con-tainers of dubious origin and content. Whatever flavor profile you’re after, you’ll be much better off making it yourself. You’ll get exactly what you want with the best ingredients possible, and, even bet-ter, it’ll be all yours.
Classic Chili Powder
Folks seem to think that there’s nothing in chili powder but powdered chilies, and that just ain’t so. Classic chili powder contains roughly 75% ground chilies
along with garlic, oregano and cumin. The final balance is yours to decide and is determined by what chilies you use.
“Molto Bene” Italian Seasoning How about the mysterious Italian Seasoning? Not so scary when it’s broken down to dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme sage, marjoram and savory, is it? Here again, when you call the ball as to proportions and content, you’ll get
exactly what you want. Take a little of this and that and see what floats your boat! throw in a little coriander or red chili and see what that does!
Pasta Cacio y Pepe
A classic example of how ‘spicy’ doesn’t necessarily mean hot or complex is Pasta Cacio y Pepe. This dish is not only super simple and incredibly delicious, but uses one of the most common of every day
spices, black pepper (for a full meal de-scription, check out our blog post). 1 Tablespoon fresh, whole black pepper berries, crushed or ground. 4 Ounces unsalted Butter 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil ½ Cup finely grated Pecorino Romano Boil fresh pasta in well salted water until al dente. Over a sauté pan on medium heat, melt butter, add olive oil and brown lightly. Add crushed pepper and heat through. Add ¼ cup of pasta water and pasta, heat through and toss to coat liber-ally. Serve immediately, piping hot, with additional cheese as desired. This pasta is simply amazing; truly unbe-lievable depth of flavor from the cheese, pepper and butter. Impossible to describe adequately, so y’all will just have to try it!
20 Today’s BoomeR
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