WELCOME JANUARY!

I hope you're having a great start to the year 2024. Remember to layer up when you go outdoors, continue to exercise indoors or out, and to follow through with any resolutions you've put in place!

Get in Touch

Felice Johnson

If I can help you with any insurance needs, please call 412-726-6450 or send an email to felice.johnson@successfs.com to get started.

Join Medicare

Every year the General Enrollment Period (GEP) for Medicare occurs between January 1 and March 31.

This is the time, usually the only time, when people who are eligible for Parts A and/or B can join if they did not do so previously. Coverage starts the month after you sign up.

You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty if you don't qualify for a "Special Enrollment Period."

Contact me for details on eligibility.

Medicare Premiums Rise

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium is $174.70 in 2024, an increase of $9.80 from $164.90 in 2023. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B enrollees in 2024 will be $240, an increase of $14 from the 2023 deductible of $226.

Volunteering and Your Taxes

Many older people see volunteering as a great way to utilize their spare time.

But are there advantages to volunteering in addition to good feelings? Yes, there are possible federal tax benefits for your efforts. You can deduct the expenses you incur while volunteering or traveling to and from the volunteer assignment.

Among other possible savings, gas mileage, public transportation costs, and airfare or train travel to volunteer destinations or conferences can all be deducted. Meals and lodging for some volunteer assignments may also be deducted. Check with your tax preparer for details.

Head for the Slopes

Do you enjoy the thrill of "swooshing" down a ski slope or sliding on a trail?

Well, reports say that thousands of people 60 and over love to ski.

And, in fact, statistics show that about a quarter of cross-country skiers are 50 plus. (Seniors Skiing).

The benefits of skiing are great for your physical, mental, social and emotional health. The key is to be prepared and know your limits so you can enjoy the sport safely (Freedom Village).

Senior Financial Glossary

A virtual currency is a digital representation of value only available electronically. It’s stored and transacted through designated software, mobile, or computer applications.

"Visibility" is used to show the extent to which a company's management or analysts can estimate future performance. Visibility can range from low to high or from the near term to the long-term.

Vertical analysis is a method of financial statement analysis in which each line item is listed as a percentage of a base figure within the statement.

Vetting is the process of thoroughly investigating an individual, company, or other entity before deciding to go forward with a joint project.

SOURCE: Investopedia

Good Taste, Good Health

Chorizo-stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Here's a Spanish delight - delicious and flavorful chorizo, stuffed in sweet dates, and wrapped with crispy, salty bacon!

INGREDIENTS:

For roasted peppers sauce:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup finely diced shallot
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• pinch of kosher salt, few cracks of black pepper
• 1 cup roasted red bell peppers, loosely chopped
• 2 tbsp juice from a jar of roasted red bell peppers
• 1 (14.5-oz) can peeled, whole tomatoes
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar

For chorizo-stuffed dates:

• 8 oz bulk chorizo
• 16 pitted medjool dates
• 8 slices of bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Make the sauce:
  Heat oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Cook, stirring, until tender, 2-3 min. Add roasted red bell peppers and the juice from the jar and continue to cook, stirring, for 3-4 more min. Add canned tomatoes, vinegar and bring to a simmer. Once simmering rapidly, reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook, simmering, while you prepare and bake the dates.

• Stuff the dates:
  Open dates so they can easily be stuffed. Place about 1/2 tbsp of the chorizo in the cavity of the date. Wrap with bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Place on the prepared baking sheet and continue until all of the dates are prepared. Move the dates to the oven and cook until the chorizo is cooked through, 12-15 min. Turn the oven on high broil until bacon is crisp, another 2-4 min. Transfer sauce to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Cover, warm, until dates are done.

• To serve, spoon and spread sauce across the bottom of a serving platter. Place chorizo stuffed dates on top and garnish with parsley.

SOURCE: The Defined Dish

 DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT JANUARY

On January 5, 1925, - Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming became the first female governor inaugurated in the U.S.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average first topped the 2,000 mark on January 8, 1987.

On January 16, 1547 - Ivan the Terrible had himself officially crowned as the first Russian Czar.

January 20, 1945 - Franklin Delano Roosevelt was inaugurated to an unprecedented fourth term as president of the United States

January Birthdays: George Washington Carver (January 1), David Bowie (4), Dolly Parton (19). Oprah Winfrey (29)

SOURCE: Famous Birthdays

Quote of the Month

“No one's ever achieved financial fitness with a January resolution that's abandoned by February.”
- Suze Orman

View Last Month's answers

SOURCE: BrainyQuote©

For information about Medicare or Claiming Social Security, please visit felicejohnson.myasbagent.net. Should you have any questions, please email me at felice.johnson@successfs.com or call 412-726-6450.