So yesterday I walked to the library and then to the grocery store. The total walk takes about 35 minutes each way. It was cold and windy, but I was bundled up, and it didn't feel too bad.
I bought 8 items, which filled my tote. Honey, shredded cheddar, American cheese slices, beef stew meat, celery, a baking potato, raspberries, and sourdough bread. The total was $24.
I'm going to make a big pot of vegetable beef soup, which I hope will last a while.
I did a load of laundry yesterday, and will do another today for a total of $3.
My variables spending is 91%, with the month nearing its end.
My cousin sent me an article yesterday about a bill that's before the House, which, if passed, would curtail my Social Security income. Specifically, it would take away the option I am taking to draw my ex-spouse's benefit until I am 70, and then draw my own, thus getting a higher payout. I would be forced to take my own now, a lower rate that I would be stuck with for life.
I got really depressed after reading this. Just the thought of getting a "raise" in four years has been keeping me focused and determined. If the rest of my life is going to be just like this ... well, I will survive, but it is certainly austere. I can only hope it will not pass in this form.
But it galls me, really. They are going to fix the SS mess by punishing the poor? Why do the rich always get coddled? I realize the rich "pay to play" by making campaign donations, but where is our public sense of right and wrong?
Well, off the soapbox. All I can do is keep on, like I always have.
I keep forgetting to add my daily menu!
Breakfast: Cranberry muffin tops
Lunch: Vegetable beef soup, bread
Dinner: Scrambled eggs w/peppers & onions
Third carless day, and a little rant
October 30th, 2015 at 01:22 pm
October 30th, 2015 at 02:50 pm 1446216624
The "savings" they are taking from you are to be redirected to the almost bankrupt disability program. Remember a couple of years ago how all the States shifted their long term unemployed off the unemployment rolls onto Social Security Disability? That's who you are subsidizing.
October 30th, 2015 at 03:21 pm 1446218463
October 30th, 2015 at 03:54 pm 1446220493
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/retirement/when-should-you-claim-social-security-for-some-boomers-it-just-changed/ar-BBmCzSV?li=AA4Zjn
I had planned to do this, as my ex-husband is a high earner. Ah well, at least I still have time to adjust my plans. Those who were going to do this say, next year, are not nearly so fortunate.
October 30th, 2015 at 04:04 pm 1446221081
These are our understanding of the new provisions included in the House bill:
For those becoming 62 after this year, deeming is extended through age 70. Deeming is the requirement that if you take a spousal benefit or a divorcee spousal benefit you need to also take your retirement benefit and vice versa. This leaves you with roughly the larger of the two benefits.
No one can collect a spousal or child benefit based on the covered earnings record of a worker who suspends retirement benefits more than six months after the bill becomes law during the period that the worker's retirement benefit remains suspended. The treatment of divorcee spousal benefits in this context is unclear.
No one who suspends his/her retirement benefit more than six months after the bill becomes law can collect an excess spousal or excess widow(er) benefit. The treatment of divorcee excess spousal benefits in this context is unclear.
Those who suspend their retirement benefits can no longer receive their suspended retirement benefits in a lump sum payment.
Updated 10/29/2015
So CB is exempt from the "deeming" change, but it is not yet clear what happens with divorced spouse benefits per these folks.
October 30th, 2015 at 04:06 pm 1446221166
October 30th, 2015 at 05:44 pm 1446227075
October 30th, 2015 at 06:53 pm 1446231222
October 30th, 2015 at 07:19 pm 1446232772
October 31st, 2015 at 12:22 am 1446250964
October 31st, 2015 at 01:19 am 1446254342
October 31st, 2015 at 12:10 pm 1446293413
I agree that the people who need help the most are the ones who often lose out. That's why I vote Democratic.