Category: Personal Finance

GAO Marshalls Its Data to Warn Leaders of Fiscal Crisis

Set apart with an atypically colorful cover designed around a compass, the first-ever annual report on fiscal health from the Government Accountability Office warns the incoming president and congressional leaders that federal finances remain on an “unsustainable long-term fiscal path.” The 47-page compilation done in cooperation with the Congressional Budget Office combines the latest alarming macro-numbers with calls for action by Congress as well as specific remedies that can be undertaken by agency managers.

Tax Advocate: Use tax breaks you’re entitled to

… Revenue code to you, yourself,” she said. “If you’re an employee, you might be benefiting from employer-provided health insurance or tax-deferred retirement savings,” she said. “If you own a home, you may be benefiting from the deduction of mortgage …

We are here to help you realize your dream

Jan. 16 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – a national holiday and a day of remembrance. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to creating and fostering equal rights for African Americans, and he died during his efforts to make his dream a reality.

3 Facts About Mortgages Every Retiree Should Know

Many of those nearing retirement hope that they’ll be able to have their mortgage paid off by the time they retire. Yet nearly one in three of those who are age 65 or older have mortgage debt outstanding, according to figures from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Dave Brat On Obamacare: The Repeal Vote Is Bigger Than Health Care

Fiscal hawk Republican Rep. Dave Brat of Virginia said repealing Obamacare is bigger than just fixing the nation’s health care policy – it could help preserve entitlements for future generations. Brat, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, noted while President Barack Obama assured his landmark health-care legislation would drive down costs, it has done the opposite, which is taking its toll on entitlement programs.

Judge Gives State, Medicaid Provider Chance To Settle Dispute Over Electronic Monitoring Of Workers

Six home care agencies are objecting to the state’s new electronic monitoring system for home care workers.Getty Images/iStockphoto Six home care agencies are objecting to the state’s new electronic monitoring system for home care workers.Getty Images/iStockphoto A judge has given the state and the largest provider of home-care services for elderly Medicaid clients time to try to come to an agreement over the company’s participation in a new fraud-busting monitoring system that measures the time a worker spends in the home, and the work caregivers do in the homes. Companions & Homemakers, Inc. has balked at using the new “electronic visit verification” technology and the state has kicked the company out of the Medicaid program.

IsoPlexis Awarded Nih Sbir Grant to Develop Cellular Analysis Platform…

Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases have tremendous unmet therapeutic and diagnostic need, and we are excited to be in a position to address these challenges with our platform. IsoPlexis Corporation , a venture-capital funded life sciences company developing an innovative cellular response analysis platform to measure the proteomic function of individual cells in patients, today announced it was recently awarded a competitive Phase I Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health to develop a system to analyze trafficking leukocytes’ highly multiplexed proteomic responses in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Senate splits 49-49 on amendment based on Trump’s entitlements campaign promise

An amendment drafted by Sen. Bernie Sanders , using language that Donald Trump used to assure voters he would not cut Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security, won 49 votes Tuesday , with Sen. Susan Collins joining every Democrat and independent to vote yes. Sanders was clear on the purpose of the amendment, one of several messaging efforts that have become part of the 115th Congress’s slow-motion debate over repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Sanders’ weapon against GOP entitlement reform: Trump

Bernie Sanders Sunday called on President-elect Trump to promise to veto any GOP legislation to cut Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid, using Trump’s position on retirement programs to try to blunt GOP entitlement reform. In a statement, the Vermont senator and former Democratic presidential candidate seized on the assertion that Trump doesn’t want to “meddle” with Medicare or Social Security, made earlier in the day by incoming White House chief of staff Reince Priebus.

Honor day by serving the aging

American will pause Jan. 16 for a national holiday and a day of remembrance, namely Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to creating and fostering equal rights for African-Americans, and he died during his efforts to make his dream a reality.

Governor, legislators ready for the 2017 session

They face uncertainty as it’s unknown how big changes at the federal level could affect the state policy, particularly in the area of health care. “You tell me what the changes are, and I’ll tell you how we react,” said House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley.

Cheers & Jeers

JEERS: In regard of our recent cost of living adjustment of 0.3% in 2017. This week I received a letter of social security benefits informing me of my increase of $2.10 monthly.

Retirement Weekly: Retirement research

… Reducing the Price of Employing an Older Worker Improve Labor Market Outcomes by Socioeconomic Status? Evidence from Health Insurance Premium Restrictions This advertisement is provided by Bankrate, which compiles rate data from more than 4,800 …

Retirement Weekly: Investments for retirement

… exchange-traded funds focused on distinct sectors of the economy. The consumer discretionary, energy, financials, health care, industrials, information technology, materials, consumer staples and utilities ETFs select investments from Standard & …

Household Employee Taxes: What NOT To Do

If you hire domestic employees – or household employees – such as nannies, gardeners, or senior caretakers, you are required to pay and withhold social security and Medicare taxes. You will have to obtain an Employer Identification Number as well as provide each employee with a W-2 no later than January 31st.If you have an accountant or payroll service to help you out, filing taxes for domestic employees should be easy.

Tax breaks, health care options on tap for 2017

Each year, business owners can count on changes in tax law and other rules. For 2017, small businesses are getting a bigger deduction for equipment purchases, and those that aren’t required to provide health insurance will have an option to help staffers pay for coverage.

GOP set to dismantle Obama’s legacy

… a rare trip to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to meet with congressional Democrats and discuss strategy for saving the health care law. Vice President-elect Mike Pence will meet with Republicans. The House will vote on Tuesday on a rules package that …

An Open Letter to the 115th Congress

… It is our hope that there is wide bipartisan support for getting things done when it comes to providing affordable health care access, regulatory evaluation relief and reforming our tax code. Having a robust and dynamic health care insurance system …

Senator: Russia’s election meddling should alarm Americans

All told, Obama has granted 1,176 commutations and 148 pardons – fewer pardons than some presidents, but more commutations than any other, the White House said. Under mounting pressure to free convicts as a last act, President Barack Obama is planning at least one more batch of pardons and commutations before leaving office in two weeks, but don’t expect many famous offenders… A Republican-run House panel created to investigate Planned Parenthood and the world of fetal tissue research has urged Congress to halt federal payments to the women’s health organization.