News Archives

Who Gets the Call? Are Your Emergency Contacts Up To Date?

Isaiah on January 7, 2024

Nobody wants to think about a medical emergency happening to them. But everyone needs to recognize the importance of being prepared.

No matter your age or how healthy you are, emergency contacts are one of the most important ways to be ready in case of a medical emergency. After all, unforeseen events like car accidents, severe weather events, or natural disasters can happen to anyone, anytime. An emergency contact is more than a formality when filling out enrollment forms or completing paperwork at a doctor’s office. Immediate health issues might necessitate quick communication with family or specific healthcare professionals in times of need.

How to Choose Your Emergency Contact:

Having reliable emergency contacts can act as a safety net. Your emergency contact list should be people who:

Are close to you, you trust, and know your needs and wants.
Can talk knowledgeably to medical professionals about your medical history, current medications allergies, and chronic conditions.
Can make critical, life-saving medical decisions.
Is willing and mentally fit to take on the responsibility.
Also has the legal right to act on your behalf.
Can provide emotional support and comfort in times of distress.

How to Ensure a Reliable Emergency Contact

Regularly Update Information: Contacts might change over time. Whether it is a change in phone number or someone else becoming the primary point of contact, be sure to keep the information up to date.
Multiple Contacts: Having more than one emergency contact is always a good idea. This increases the chances of reaching someone quickly during urgent situations.
Clarify Roles: Clearly outline what each emergency contact is responsible for. For instance, one might be the primary contact for medical decisions, while another could be for logistical or day-to-day concerns.

The importance of emergency contacts cannot be overstated. These contacts serve as a bridge, ensuring you are always connected to loved ones and receive the care and support you need, no matter the situation. By maintaining updated and reliable emergency contacts, you can ensure the well-being and peace of mind. Likewise, being prepared for the cost of emergency medical transportation also can’t be overstated. A ground ambulance or air transport could cost thousands of dollars. Medicare may not cover this. Medical Air Services Association (MASA) provides the MASA Emergency Shield Plan for lifesaving emergency transportation services. Services are paid in full, with no deductibles, co-pays, or dollar limits. Whether you’re home or traveling, MASA Emergency Shield covers your ambulance or airlift, regardless of your age or medical condition. Plus, you can get your plan through a trusted source: NCRGEA and AMBA. Get your plan now at www.AMBAmedtransport.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

The Easiest (and Tastiest) Recipe Ever for Healthy Pancakes

Isaiah on January 4, 2024

We all love pancakes, right? They’re filling, a great winter comfort food, and – oh, yes! – absolutely deeeelicious! But this carb-heavy favorite don’t help us stick with our New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Or can they?

This recipe is from a reader in Texas. She describes these pancakes as a good source of protein, fiber, and – believe it or not – flavor. She writes, “I know ingredients like rolled oats and cottage cheese don’t sound like the ideal recipe for pancakes but give them a shot. They look like regular pancakes, and they sure do taste them too! It’s simply phenomenal you’re also cutting calories with these!”

Ingredients

6 egg whites
1 cup rolled oats (dry)
1 cup cottage cheese
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

Put all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth.
Heat a large non-stick skillet and spray with non-stick cooking spray or use a non-stick pan. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter for each pancake. Flip when they begin bubbling.
Cook until golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining batter.

Tip: You can serve these up however you usually like your pancakes! with some powdered sugar and fresh berries.

6 New Year’s Eve Safety Tips

Patti Dukes on December 29, 2023

Even in our retired years, New Year’s Eve comes with a lot of expectations and pressure to have a wonderful and memorable night. NCRGEA asks you to please keep the following tips in mind while making plans for your celebrations.

1) Don’t drink and drive! It’s not only a safety hazard, it’s illegal! It has been said many times, but you can never say it enough. If you plan on going out for New Year’s Eve, designate a sober driver, take a ridesharing company or cab, plan to sleep over at the host’s home, or arrange for a sober driver to pick you up.

2) Plan for guests’ safety. If hosting a party, plan a way to have guests get home safely or have a place for them to sleep over if they don’t have a sober driver.

3) Consider pet safety. Animals get frightened around loud noises, especially fireworks. Keeping your pets inside can help avoid these issues. Make sure any pet that has a chance to get outside is properly tagged.

4) Try not to leave your car overnight. New Year’s Day is the second most active holiday for car theft. If you must leave your car, make sure it is locked and try to pick it up as early as you can the next day.

5) Be mindful at public events. Try not to travel alone; make sure you have a cell phone on you, and be aware of your surroundings. Many criminals consider retired citizens as easy targets.

6) Avoid using fireworks or flare guns without understanding local laws and safety rules.

NCRGEA hopes you enjoy your celebrations and we want you to be as safe as possible. Stay safe, stay smart, and make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable for the right reasons!

Food Banks Are Ready To Eat Up Your Volunteer Help!

McKenzie Lyman on December 21, 2023

There’s a well-honed tradition at North Texas Food Bank’s Plano warehouse for the volunteers to follow when packing boxes with food.

One recent morning, a 19-member volunteer team loaded boxes with nonperishable food items – shelf-stable milk, soup, cereal, juice, canned beans, pasta, canned fruit, peanut butter, raisins, and more.

Each box they filled had to weigh 31.5 pounds. If it didn’t, it went back to quality control because that would mean some food item was missing. The boxes moved among a conveyor belt, then were weighed, loaded onto a forklift, and then shrink-wrapped. Eventually, thousands are packed and delivered by Island Harvest to senior citizens across the region.

Why Volunteering at Food Banks Make A Difference

Volunteers are helping the food bank package 4,000 food boxes a month, says the president and chief executive of the food bank. He and officials at the area’s other major food bank said such partnerships – not only with corporate volunteers who give time and money but also with several local hospitals – enable them to have a greater reach to help the local food-insecure population, which by one 2022 estimate was well into the hundreds of thousands of citizens.

“Packing 4,000 boxes is a lot,” he says. “We have a small staff. There’s just no way to achieve the needs of this project and the food needy in our community without volunteers.”

Giving Back at Food Banks

Among the retirees who volunteered recently is a retired teacher who now lives in nearby Denison. She’s been volunteering with North Texas Food Bank for almost 10 years. She was moved to do so, she says, out of a sense of wanting to help the community.

“This is one that definitely speaks to every community because food insecurity happens everywhere, whether it be schools, whether it be seniors,” she says.

Another volunteer said that when he was growing up he and his family received help from various social services programs because his mother was single and disabled. Now he wanted to give back and felt compelled to pitch in.

“I enjoy doing this,” he says. “It’s important that, since I have the capacity now, I can give back. My mother does receive food every month and it really makes a difference for her. Volunteering gives me the insight to see first-hand the incredible difference I can make for others who need the help and support.”

There are food banks across the country looking for help. Organizations like food banks are always looking for volunteers. During this holiday season, showing appreciation for all that you have by helping others is a wonderful idea. Consider pitching in. It can be a win-win: the organization gets the help it desperately needs to fulfill its mission, and you get an opportunity to contribute to others and make a difference. The food bank certainly isn’t the only organization that needs volunteers. Check out the NCRGEA partner Meals On Wheels to see what volunteering is needed this holiday season or throughout the upcoming new year.

Meals On Wheels

Getting on Track to Meet Your Financial Goals

Isaiah on December 20, 2023

Get the Steps with Our Year-End Checklist

As you get ready to welcome 2024, it’s important to make sure you’re financially prepared. Do you have the insights and protections you need to maintain peace of mind in the new year? Here are the essential financial tips to take now.

7 Steps to Meet Your Financial Goals

✅ Review Your Financial Plan

Whether you and your significant other have plans to travel more in 2024 or have had a medical setback and need to accommodate for the extra expenses, if there are any changes in your goals or situation, review how those expenses will impact your financial goals. Carefully plan how to make the necessary adjustments to avoid financial issues down the road.

✅ Check-In on Your Emergency Fund

If you dipped into your emergency savings in 2023, try rebuilding it, the sooner the better. The conventional wisdom for many household financial goals is to maintain 3 to 6 months of expenses in a liquid account to help cover unexpected expenses.

✅ Check Your Credit Report

Each of the major credit bureaus allows consumers to access one free report each year. Take the opportunity to double-check your credit score and identify any unexpected errors.

✅ Take Steps to Lower Your Tax Liability

Do you have the opportunity to lower your tax bill by taking advantage of year-end tax loss harvesting? Not only can selling off losing investments potentially help lower your 2023 taxes, it also lets you use that money to rebalance your investment portfolio to ensure it’s up-to-date and in line with your financial goals and risk tolerances.

✅ Year-End Charitable Donations

Another great way to lower your taxable income and increase your financial goals is through charitable donations. Research if a donor-advised fund (DAF) will allow you to receive an immediate charitable tax deduction in 2023 by filing an itemized return while having the flexibility to make donations from the DAF to your favorite charities later.

✅ Review Estate Planning Documents and Beneficiary Designations

Regardless of your age, if you haven’t implemented estate planning documents, it’s important to do so ASAP. If you haven’t reviewed your documents in a while, be sure to do so to ensure they remain with your current wishes.

Likewise, beneficiary designations can supersede your will and trust directives. Be sure to locate and identify the designations of your assigned beneficiaries and update them if necessary.

✅ Review Your Existing Insurance Coverage and Risk Management Needs

2024 is a new year, and with it you may also have new needs for your insurance coverage. If there have been any changes in your life or health that necessitate updating your current benefits. Additionally, maybe there are some policies you’d like to add for the additional peace of mind they can provide you and your loved ones.

As NCRGEA’s trusted benefits partner, AMBA provides knowledgeable Customer Service Associates and insightful Field Agents who are here to help you review options and determine the right coverage for you – whether it’s dental insurance, vision plans, or other policies. They’re just a phone call or an online form away. It’s nice to know that anytime you have questions about your insurance benefits, someone is ready to assist.

Request a FREE Benefits Review with an AMBA field agent at amba-review.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228 Mon.-Fri 8am-5pm EST.

Greasy Spoons in the Garden State: Couple Visiting Every Diner in New Jersey

Isaiah on December 18, 2023

Any diner devotee knows New Jersey is the diner capital of the world. There are over 400 greasy spoons across the state. One couple embarked on a mission to eat at every single one within state lines.

In 2015, Jon and Karri Ricklin began their journey to eat at every diner in the Garden State. “We just thought it would be cool to drive around the state and sample and eat at every one of them,” says Jon. “It’s turning out to be a bigger quest than we originally anticipated!

What Inspired Their Adventure?

“You gotta eat!” says Karri.

The quip is funny, but there’s more to the backstory. One day while eating at a local diner, Karri took out her phone to take a picture of her husband while he was holding the menu. Jokingly, he said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we took this same exact picture at every diner in New Jersey?”

At the time, he was unaware of the quantity of diners across New Jersey and the challenge they’d set for themselves. New Jersey is particularly known for its diners, of which there are approximately 425, the most of any state. Various foods invented in the state, such as the pork roll, and saltwater taffy, remain popular there today. How do they keep up? “I have a database and I try to keep up with it as best I can,” says Jon.

So far, the couple have visited nearly half. Does being able to make it to the remaining locations seem daunting?

“Nah,” says Karri. “It’s a piece of cake – or maybe I should say key lime pie!”

At every location, Karri takes a picture of Jon holding up a menu that they post on their social media.

Another highlight of their road trips for Jon? “Talking to some of the waitresses is great! They’ll call you “hon”.

Road Trips Are Great, But Be Prepared

Accidents and health issues are always a possibility while driving long distances on highways (and who’s to say a pork roll might not agree with your stomach?). A ground ambulance or air transport could cost thousands of dollars. Medicare may not cover this. It’s important to protect yourself. Medical Air Services Association (MASA) provides the MASA Emergency Shield Plan for lifesaving emergency transportation services. Services are paid in full, with no deductibles, co-pays, or dollar limits. Whether you’re home or traveling, MASA Emergency Shield covers your ambulance or airlift, regardless of your age or medical condition. Plus, you can get your plan through a trusted source: NCRGEA and AMBA. Get your plan now at www.AMBAmedtransport.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://abc7ny.com/new-jersey-diner-couple-visits-every/13304251/

Loyalty and Duty of Care to Our Members

Patti Dukes on December 15, 2023

By Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, LivingPower Newsletter Nov/Dec 2023

Department of State Treasurer (DST) focuses on loyalty and duty-of-care for public servants like you who teach, protect or otherwise serve the citizens of North Carolina. This is what drives DST and the North Carolina Retirement Systems (NCRS) to fulfill their mission to protect and preserve the state’s pension system and health care plans, while reducing fees and maximizing value.

Though we have had to navigate some uncharted waters over the last few years with stock market volatility and COVID, NCRS has been consistently in the check-delivery business. At our very core, we ensure benefits due to members are delivered as promised and on time, and that members and their families who are impacted by a life event are taken care of in a timely, efficient manner. I want to recognize our staff that works diligently with a member-first mentality to not only get business done but listen to what is needed to do good business.

Over the last year we launched a new phone system that allows easier access to information through an automated, self-service phone menu. Over 30% of members calling in now find what they need, on their own, through this system. Those that need to speak to a retirement counselor are holding on the line less than two minutes on average. Chat was recently implemented in ORBIT as an additional way to get the information you need. Users who participated in the soft launch of this service have given it a nearly perfect rating. We realize every member’s situation is different, so our counselors are dedicated to taking the time you need to provide value and service.

Recent legislation has brought positive changes impacting NCRS. Members with a retirement date on or after January 1, 2024, will see their first benefit payment made by direct deposit. Traditionally, a retiree’s first payment has been sent by paper check. New retirees will be able to lock in their retirement options earlier and NCRS will be able operate more efficiently as we continue to see record numbers of retirements each month.

For the second time in as many years, the state will pay a one-time supplement for benefit recipients who retired on or before October 1, 2023, are living as of October 1, 2023, and are members of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System, Consolidated Judicial Retirement System, and the Legislative Retirement System. This one-time supplement will be issued on or before November 30 and is equal to 4% of the annual retirement allowance, where the annual retirement allowance is 12 times the monthly allowance payable for October 2023.

These funds did not come from the Plan itself and were appropriated by the General Assembly as a part of the budget passed on October 3, 2023. This does not apply to benefit recipients of the Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS), where a benefit increase may be granted by the LGERS Board of Trustees within certain statutory limitations.

Whether you are planning for or in retirement, there has been a seismic shift in this life phase. People are living longer, and this requires a revised budget strategy for income, expenses, and health care costs. The fact is you have a solid foundation in retirement with your monthly pension benefit and this should serve as your motivation. The NC Pension is widely regarded as one of the most secure and best-funded pensions in the United States. Additional savings in the NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans, coupled with Social Security Income and outside assets, will also help in meeting a gap in retirement income. Each of you has navigated a change towards retirement and I encourage you to talk with someone younger than you to share your lessons learned.

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus wrote that “no man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” As we move to a new year, I wish each of you success in health and purpose and thank you for your service to the citizens of North Carolina.

5 Tips to Keep Your Oral Health in Tip-Top Shape This Winter

Isaiah on December 14, 2023

Winter is here and with it comes the drastic change of weather. The cold temperatures can be fun – who doesn’t love a great sleigh ride and hot cocoa on the porch watching the snow fall? But the winter season can take a hefty toll on your oral health.

Cold Weather Brings an Array of Health Issues

Wintertime is known for causing issues like dry skin and irritated throats. But the problems don’t stop there. Your oral health is also affected by the change of weather. Want to keep your oral health in perfect condition this winter season? Follow these tips!

5 Tips to Protect Your Oral Health in the Winter

Tooth Tip #1 –Sensitivity

During cold temperatures, many find that they experience increased tooth sensitivity. This can not only come from foods, but the chilly air outside too! If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are several solutions to relieve discomfort, including using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth, or rising out your mouth with salt water.

Tooth Tip #2 – Cold Sores

The cold weather frequently can cause a weakened immune system. This can lead to cold sores. To prevent a cold sore breakout, start by washing your hands frequently to reduce any germs on them. And remember to keep your hands off of your face and especially your mouth area. If you do feel a cold sore is coming, apply a topical treatment to the area to stop the infection as soon as possible.

Tooth Tip #3 – Exposed Dentin

The enamel is the outside layer of your teeth. If your enamel has started to wear away (which happens normally as we age, and can be exasperated by issues such as teeth grinding), the dentin below can become very sensitive. Without the protection of your enamel, the nerves inside your tooth are more exposed to the elements, putting your oral health at risk.

Tooth Tip #4 – Chapped Lips

One of the most common ailments of the winter season is chapped lips. To protect yourself from painful cracked lips this season, invest in a lip salve with SPF+. In addition, don’t forget that your body moisturizes from the inside out. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water every day for your lip – and overall – health!

Tooth Tip #5 – Cavity Care

Hands down, the best part of the winter season is all the delicious food. From hot chocolate to candies, winter is the perfect time to enjoy sweets and sugary treats. It’s fine to give into temptation and indulge but remember to brush and floss afterwards to avoid cavities. In addition, always remember to drink plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. If possible, substitute dental-friendly foods into your winter diet to help with cavity prevention. Foods such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese, and other choices high in calcium, are all perfect for keeping your teeth and gums healthy this winter.

Taking care of your oral health is important. That’s why NCRGEA and AMBA want to ensure that your oral health is in tip-top shape this season. Our Dental Plan provides coverage for twice annual cleanings, as well as access for any dentist you want with bigger savings by staying in-network, and – best of all – NO WAITING PERIOD on covered services. Visit www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228 to enroll today.

Source: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/wellness/conditions-and-treatments/articles/tooth-sensitivity-in-cold-weather.html#:~:text=Exposed%20dentin,more%20exposed%20to%20the%20elements

Please Mind the Age Gap: Planning for Couples with a Significant Difference in Age

Isaiah on December 13, 2023

Financial planning always has complexities, but couples with a significant age gap face additional concerns. Issues like differences in retirement eligibility dates, life expectancies, health issues, income needs, and more.

Strategies for Couples with a Significant Age Gap

Staggered Retirement Dates

Couples with a significant age gap may find themselves juggling different retirement dates. The older spouse may be ready to retire while the younger spouse is still enjoying prime earning years.

From a financial perspective, there can be significant advantages to staggering your retirement dates. For example, the working spouse may be able to maintain employer-sponsored health insurance until their own retirement. And the income they continue to bring into the household can reduce the need to draw from retirement assets, preserving retirement savings.

Of course, if the lifestyle challenges of one working spouse and one retired spouse prove too complex, consider a compromise. Perhaps the older spouse takes a part-time job for a few years and the younger spouse joins their partner in retirement a few years earlier than originally planned.

Timing Social Security

Properly planning for Social Security is critical for couples with an age gap because the younger spouse has the potential to live significantly longer than the older spouse. This means the younger spouse may need to rely on a survivor benefit for an extended period.

If the older spouse is the primary earner, consider the viability of delaying taking benefits until 70 or later. Doing so allows the Social Security benefits to grow by approximately 8% each year, which can also provide a higher survivor benefit for the younger spouse.

Pension Payments

If the older spouse is eligible to receive pension payments, it may make sense to elect a joint-and-survivor payout option. While this choice typically reduces the amount of the household’s monthly payment, it also helps ensure the younger spouse can continue receiving payments for the rest of their life, even after the older spouse passes away.

Estate Planning

Estate planning for couples with an age gap is especially important. Take steps to ensure the younger spouse will remain financially secure for their entire lifetime. Make sure all documents are up to date, from your will to old 401ks that you may have assigned a Transfer On Death to a previous beneficiary, and other matters like financial and healthcare powers of attorney.

Another Important Step

It also makes sense for the older spouse to have a life insurance policy so each person can have peace of mind. If you’ve attempted to purchase life insurance in the past but were turned down due to lifestyle or health issues, NCRGEA and AMBA have good news. The Whole Life policy available through NCRGEA and AMBA guarantees acceptance if you’re between the ages of 45 to 85. No exams, no tests, no questions. Plus, premiums are set at a fixed rate – and as long as they are paid, you’ll never be dropped for any reason! This plan even features a no-obligation 60-day return policy. You can now purchase your Whole Life Insurance Policy online. Learn more at www.AMBAlifeinsurance.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/retirement/t037-s004-retirement-planning-wrinkles-couples-with-age-gaps/index.html

Living Power Poised to Be Bigger and Better

Patti Dukes on December 12, 2023

LivingPower November/December 2023

Army General James Van Fleet once said, “I’m always willing to accept change, as long as it isn’t change for the sake of change. If that change will result in a better way of doing things, then I’m all for it.” NCRGEA feels confident he would have agreed with the changes coming to Living Power.

Starting in January, Living Power has a completely new look and feel with a different publishing schedule — in its new quarterly magazine format. While continuing to keep members informed on matters that are important to them, Living Power will have more in-depth articles, more photographs, and a more user-friendly layout.

“The new magazine will provide us with a great format for telling the story of the positive impact that those who have worked in local and state government continue to have on North Carolina and our economy,” said Tim O’Connell, NCRGEA Executive Director. “It will allow us to better inform our members, recent retirees, and lawmakers on the ins and outs of pensions and healthcare plans.”

He added, “In addition, the magazine will allow us to present information in a more visually appealing format and provide content that complements our digital communications.”

In her role as Community Liaison at NCRGEA, Deryl Davis-Fulmer focuses on the many ways NCRGEA members are active in their local communities and in state-wide organizations. Regarding the new magazine, she is excited about the opportunity it provides to “shine a light on their accomplishments and maybe inspire others to get involved with their communities.”

Current feature columns along with new content enabled by the expanded format include:

NCRGEA Executive Director and Board of Directors President columns
State Treasurer’s column
Contributions from various Council of State members
NCRGEA member profiles
District Community Connections column
Calendar of upcoming NCRGEA events
Puzzles and games that will provide opportunities to engage and win prizes

To complement the new quarterly schedule of the magazine, other communications channels including social media, email, and the NCRGEA website, will be used to provide late-breaking news and timely information to members. The magazine will be available in both print and digital formats, so look for the print version to arrive in the mail and sign up for the digital version if you have not already done so. The digital magazine can be accessed via email or on our website.

Look for these exciting changes to Living Power coming in January and be sure to read to stay informed about all the ways that NCRGEA is advocating for and informing you. Get ready for change — not for the sake of change, but for a better way of doing things!