Coin-finding has been slim pickings recently, but I did find a penny shining under the lamplight this morning. Interesting how it can actually be easier to see coins in the dark than in the daylight!
The Social Security program yesterday was jam-packed with information. I was glad that the presenter verified my plan to claim my ex's benefit at age 66 and switch to mine at 70. The nice thing I learned is that I can do it online without even contacting my ex. And I don't have to wait for him to file to claim the benefit, as long as he is 62. (He is.)
I will have to set up an account on the website, and it sounds like I should get a credit report beforehand, as there will be a number of questions to answer.
I also learned that it is a myth that payments don't start for three months -- they begin right after you file. However, you can file three months (or more) before you retire, just as long as you don't earn more than $15,000 in that time. I think I might as well do that; get a little overlap in payments.
I'll need to file for Medicare Part A during the open enrollment period at the first of the year. I don't need to file for Part B until I retire and lose my benefits.
Part D covers prescription costs. I'm really on the fence about that. I have one prescription that costs me $5 a month. (I know it would cost more without a plan, but I don't think it would be a lot more). It seems like it would make sense to just pay for it out of my own pocket, because a premium would be more expensive. But you have to weigh the risk of needing expensive medication in the future. I wonder if you can choose to pick it up later?
I think, next year, I will have a little more in my paycheck. Switching to the HMO will lower the premium. Also, I elected to put less in flexible spending. I usually have trouble getting it all spent before the end of the year, unless I have a medical event.
No spending yesterday, but I did reserve a hotel room for $111. I'll be sharing it with my siblings, so I'll probably pay $37 in the end.
Still to do -- get flowers, get transportation to the airport, and arrange for pet sitters.
And after the Florida trip is done, there's Thanksgiving! Thank goodness I am not traveling for Christmas.
A penny found is a penny earned
November 14th, 2013 at 03:00 pm
November 14th, 2013 at 07:10 pm 1384456251
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