
<p>Retirement insights from a Colorado PERA perspective</p>



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A distant view shows a mountainous landscape with sloping peaks, green trees in the foreground, and a cloudy sky above.


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/08/29/1195984752/medicare-drug-price-negotiations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here Are the First 10 Drugs That Medicare Will Target For Price Cuts | NPR</a></strong></h4>



<p>Federal officials released their highly anticipated list of the first 10 prescription drugs for which Medicare will aim to cut prices as part of its new price negotiation program. The list includes popular blood thinners, diabetes medications, auto immune drugs, and others.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/08/25/powell-fed-raise-rates-again/70675659007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Powell Says Fed Could Raise Rates Again if Economy Doesn&#8217;t Cool | USA Today</a></strong></h4>



<p>At the Federal Reserve’s annual conference in Wyoming, Chair Jerome Powell hinted that the central bank isn’t going to be reducing interest rates any time soon. Powell said the economy still isn’t slowing down as much as expected, meaning additional hikes may be needed to rein in inflation.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/29/treasury-proposes-crypto-tax-reporting-rule-what-it-means-for-investors.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treasury Proposes Crypto Tax Reporting Rule. What It Means | CNBC</a></strong></h4>



<p>The federal government released proposed new regulations that would require brokers of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets to file tax forms beginning in 2025. Officials say the new rules are an effort to crack down on tax evasion on digital finance activity.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Medicare Releases First 10 Drugs in Price Negotiation Program


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2023/06/13/coloradans-community-college-classes-leisure-interaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Community College Courses in Demand for Older Coloradans Wanting Interaction | The Colorado Sun</strong></a></h4>



<p>Community colleges across Colorado are seeing strong demand for continuing education among retirees. Demand is particularly high in rural communities, where seniors wait in line to register for courses in the arts, fitness, history, and other subjects. Participants say that in addition to learning something new, the classes are an opportunity to meet new friends and stay active.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-reserve-rate-hike-pause-impact-cbs-news-explains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The Federal Reserve is Pausing Rate Hikes for the First Time in 15 Months. Here&#8217;s the Financial Impact. | CBS News</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Federal Reserve has been aggressively raising its key interest rate for over a year now in an effort to tamp down inflation. The latest data show those efforts appear to be working, so the Fed is pausing its rate hikes — for now. Officials have indicated that two more rate hikes are possible before the end of the year.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/what-makes-crypto-asset-security-us-2023-06-07/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>What Makes a Crypto Asset a Security in the U.S.? | Reuters</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently gone after several major cryptocurrency exchanges, alleging they have been operating as unregistered securities exchanges in the U.S. Up for debate is what the government considers a security and which digital assets fit the bill.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/what-gen-x-needs-to-know-about-aging-parents-finances" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>What Gen X Needs to Know About Their Aging Parents&#8217; Finances | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>Surveys often show a large percentage older Americans don’t have their estates in order, and they often haven’t discussed their plans and needs with their children. As Gen Xers reach the age when they’ll start caring for their aging parents, it’s important to have a sense of those needs and the associated costs ahead of time.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Older Coloradans Flocking to Community College Classes


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2023/medicare-changes-in-2023.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The Biggest Changes Coming to Medicare in 2023 | AARP</strong></a></h4>



<p>If you’re one of the millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare, you (and your wallet) may notice some important changes to the program this year. In addition to lower Part B premiums, this year should bring caps on insulin copays, expanded access to mental health services and more free vaccines. Medicare is also laying the groundwork for its new drug price negotiation process.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.copera.org/news-you-should-know-whats-changing-for-medicare-in-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="broken_link"><strong>Lawmakers Plan Crypto Panel in First Move to Oversee Troubled Industry | POLITICO</strong></a></h4>



<p>Lawmakers in Congress are setting up a new subcommittee dedicated to overseeing and regulating cryptocurrency. The Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion will fall under the existing House Financial Services Committee and will be tasked with creating policy around digital currencies and promoting equity in financial technology.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/03/why-the-interest-on-your-savings-account-may-be-way-behind-the-fed.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Why the Interest on Your Savings Account May be Way Behind the Fed | CNBC</strong></a></h4>



<p>With the Federal Reserve raising interest rates significantly in the past year, you may be expecting to see the rate on your savings account(s) rising accordingly. But some banks may only offer higher rates to new customers, or only to certain types of accounts. It’s worth doing some research to find out if you’re getting the best rate.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.popsci.com/health/hydration-healthy-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Drinking Enough Water Linked to Healthy Aging | Popular Science</strong></a></h4>



<p>There’s a lot of advice out there about how to slow down or reverse aging, but it turns out a key element to healthy aging is also a simple one: Drinking enough water. New long-term research finds people who stay well-hydrated tend to have lower rates of chronic health problems and a lower risk of dying early.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: What’s Changing for Medicare in 2023


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/taxes/10-tax-changes-that-could-impact-the-size-of-your-refund-next-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>10 Tax Changes That Could Affect the Size of Your Refund Next Year | CNET</strong></a></h4>



<p>The IRS is giving taxpayers a heads up that next year’s tax refunds could be much different than this year – smaller, in many cases. That’s because of a number of important changes, including the end of federal stimulus payments and changes to some common tax credits.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/11/23/1138881426/ftx-sam-bankman-fried-bankruptcy-crypto-cryptocurrency-collapse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>5 Major Revelations About the Collapse of Crypto Giant FTX | NPR</strong></a></h4>



<p>Before its sudden demise in early November, FTX was one of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges for those looking to buy and sell digital currency. Many are now left wondering what happened to their money. Bankruptcy proceedings show the company was rife with issues that may have contributed to its downfall.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.mcknights.com/news/clinical-news/substantial-decline-in-dementia-rates-due-in-part-to-higher-education-levels-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Dementia Rates Fall 30 Percent, Likely Due to Better Health, Higher Education Levels: Study | McKnights</strong></a></h4>



<p>New research finds the prevalence of dementia in older Americans has fallen substantially in recent years ­­– from 12.2% in 2000 to 8.5% in 2016. Researchers also say gaps in dementia prevalence between men and women, as well as other demographic groups, have narrowed during that time. An increase in the average level of education could be a big reason for the shift.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.aarp.org/retirement/retirement-savings/info-2022/women-retirement-readiness.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R4-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Women Have Made Big Strides In Retirement Readiness | AARP</strong></a></h4>



<p>Fewer women are relying on a spouse for their retirement income, and new research finds that since the passage of Title IX, women who remain single are just as prepared for retirement as married couples. However, disparities such as the pay gap between men and women continue to pose challenges to women’s financial footing.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: What to Expect With Next Year’s Tax Return


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ethereum-merge-blockchain-cbs-news-explains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Why &#8220;The Merge&#8221; Could Change the Future of Cryptocurrency | CBS News</strong></a></h4>



<p>There’s a big upgrade happening in the world of cryptocurrency, dubbed “The Merge.” Experts say the Merge will reduce the environmental impact of Ethereum, one of the most popular cryptocurrency blockchains, and ultimately make the digital currency more useful.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/605209/savers-credit-and-earn-act" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Changes to the Saver’s Credit Could Be on the Way | Kiplinger</a></strong></h4>



<p>Lawmakers in Washington, DC have introduced a new package of retirement reforms called the Enhancing American Retirement Now (EARN) Act. Included in the EARN Act is a provision that would change the way the Saver’s Credit works, depositing the credit directly into a retirement account instead of being a credit on your tax returns.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/walmart-unitedhealth-offer-joint-program-preventive-healthcare-seniors-2022-09-07/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Walmart, UnitedHealth to Offer Preventive Healthcare Program for Seniors | Reuters</strong></a></h4>



<p>Walmart and UnitedHealth Group have agreed to a 10-year partnership aimed at improving access to preventive care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. The partnership will kick off next year at Walmart locations in Florida and Georgia, with plans to expand to other areas in the future.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/05/how-much-cash-you-need-in-an-emergency-fund-at-every-career-stage.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>How Much Cash You Need in an Emergency Fund at Every Career Stage | CNBC</strong></a></h4>



<p>A common piece of financial advice is to keep three to six months’ worth of expenses in a savings account for emergencies. But that rule of thumb doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone; you may need significantly more cash on hand, depending on where you are in your career, what kind of work you do, and whether or not you have a significant other.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: What to Know About Cryptocurrency’s Big ‘Merge’


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/07/27/1113494056/fed-interest-rate-hike-july-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Another Big Fed Rate Hike to Battle Inflation. Economy Hangs in Balance | NPR</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Federal Reserve issued another .75% increase for its benchmark interest rate. It’s the fourth time the Fed has raised rates this year, marking some of the most aggressive action the Fed has taken to fight inflation in decades. The question is whether the moves will be able to rein in inflation without hurting the economy.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2022/07/20/fbi-warns-of-fake-crypto-apps-spoofing-financial-institutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>FBI Warns of Fake Crypto Investment Apps Spoofing Financial Institutions | ThinkAdvisor</strong></a></h4>



<p>Cybercriminals appear to be trying to capitalize on the cryptocurrency trend. The FBI warned recently that scammers are posing as legitimate financial institutions, creating fake websites and apps to steal victims’ money. The FBI has so far identified 244 victims who have lost approximately $42.7 million.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220720102532.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Wearable Activity Trackers Encourage Us to Walk Up to 40 Minutes More Each Day &#8212; ScienceDaily</strong></a></h4>



<p>New research shows wearable activity trackers — such as FitBit devices or Apple Watches — can have measurable effects on people’s fitness habits. The review of several hundred studies found activity trackers encourage people to walk an average of 40 minutes more per day. That’s encouraging news in the fight against conditions for which a lack of activity can be a contributing factor, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/604974/planning-to-retire-in-the-next-3-5-years-what-to-consider-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Planning to Retire in the Next 3-5 Years? What to Consider Today | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>If you’re within a few years of retirement age, it’s time to start thinking more seriously about what that transition is going to look like. Here are some key factors to consider as you make final preparations and adjustments to your retirement plan.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Federal Reserve Makes Another Big Rate Hike


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/14/heres-what-the-feds-expected-rate-hike-means-for-your-wallet.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here’s a Breakdown of How the Fed’s Expected Rate Hike Will Impact Your Wallet</a> | CNBC</strong></h4>



<p>The Federal Reserve announced it will raise its key interest rate as it tries to get a handle on inflation. Here’s what higher interest rates could mean for your personal finances.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://content.copera.org/news-you-should-know-what-rising-interest-rates-could-mean-for-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Will the US Have a Cryptocurrency? What to Know About Biden’s Bid for a Digital Dollar</a> | CNET</strong></h4>



<p>The U.S. government has had limited involvement in the cryptocurrency boom so far, but that could be changing. President Joe Biden signed an executive order that directs federal agencies to look into the creation of a government-controlled digital currency as well as the potential risks and policy implications.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://time.com/nextadvisor/investing/roth-ira-contribution-limits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">You Can Still Max Out Your IRAs for 2021, But Only Until April 15. Here’s How to Do It</a> | NextAdvisor</strong></h4>



<p>The deadline for filing 2021 tax returns is approaching, and with it comes the deadline for making 2021 contributions to an individual retirement account (IRA). You may be able to use those contributions to increase your tax refund in addition to boosting your retirement savings.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://grow.acorns.com/74-year-old-became-a-model-in-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meet a 74-Year-Old Who Became a Model in Retirement: ‘You Don’t Have to Fade Into the Background’</a> | Acorns Grow</strong></h4>



<p>When Carolyn Doelling retired from her career in business at age 70, she felt dissatisfied with what her retired status meant for her identity and place in the world. She embraced fashion and quickly made a splash, signing with a New York-based modeling agency.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: What Rising Interest Rates Could Mean For You


<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="americans-views-of-public-school-teachers-and-personnel-in-the-wake-of-covid-19-national-institute-on-retirement-security"><strong><a href="https://www.nirsonline.org/reports/k-12survey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Americans’ Views of Public School Teachers and Personnel in the Wake of COVID-19</a> | National Institute on Retirement Security</strong></h4>



<p>A new survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security found that a large majority of Americans — 83 percent — are worried about public school staff shortages. The survey also found strong support for those staff and the benefits they receive. Ninety-four percent of those surveyed said elected officials should ensure that healthcare and pension benefits continue to be funded and protected.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="colorado-to-begin-accepting-cryptocurrency-as-payment-for-taxes-this-summer-denver7"><a href="https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/national/colorado-to-begin-accepting-cryptocurrency-as-payment-for-taxes-this-summer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado to Begin Accepting Cryptocurrency as Payment for Taxes This Summer</strong></a><strong> | Denver7</strong></h4>



<p>Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced plans to allow Coloradans to pay their state taxes and fees with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Polis said the state will start rolling out the program in the summer, so you’ll still have to use traditional forms of currency for this year’s taxes.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="covid-has-changed-retirement-and-canceled-the-celebrations-that-usually-mark-it-nbc-news"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/covid-has-changed-retirement-canceled-celebrations-usually-mark-it-ncna1289381" target="_blank"><strong>COVID Has Changed Retirement — And Canceled the Celebrations That Usually Mark It</strong></a><strong> | NBC News</strong></h4>



<p>Retirement has often been met with fanfare to celebrate the end of one life stage and the beginning of another. But the COVID-19 pandemic upended many traditions, including the typical retirement celebrations. A psychologist reflects on what that means for workers entering their golden years.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="6-reasons-you-re-putting-off-writing-a-will-and-how-to-overcome-them-next-avenue"><a href="https://www.nextavenue.org/7-reasons-youre-putting-off-writing-a-will-and-how-to-overcome-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>6 Reasons You’re Putting Off Writing a Will and How to Overcome Them</strong></a><strong> | Next Avenue</strong></h4>



<p>For many people, estate planning is a topic that can wait until later — if they’re thinking about it at all. But having a will is important regardless of your age. Here are some common reasons for putting off writing a will and some tips for getting started.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Americans Express Support for Public Education Staff, Benefits


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2021/new-medicare-robocall.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>‘Becky From Medicare’ Robocall is Sweeping the Nation</strong></a><strong> | AARP</strong></h4>



<p>Retirees across the country have received fraudulent calls from people claiming to work with Medicare and offering unnecessary genetic testing. AARP put these callers under the microscope and found that while the scam is unlikely to cost Medicare recipients anything directly, such scams can cost Medicare billions of dollars a year.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/cryptocurrency/articles/is-it-safe-for-retirees-to-buy-cryptocurrency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="broken_link">Is It Safe for Retirees to Buy Cryptocurrency?</a> | The Motley Fool</strong></h4>



<p>Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have been growing in popularity in recent years. They’re notoriously volatile, and that can mean the potential for big gains and also big losses. Here are some things retirees should consider when looking at investing in cryptocurrency.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/28/amazon-launches-an-elder-care-subscription-service-alexa-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Amazon Launches an Elder Care Subscription Service, ‘Alexa Together’</strong></a><strong> | TechCrunch</strong></h4>



<p>Last year, Amazon launched the Care Hub, which allows family members to keep an eye on aging relatives, with their permission. With a new subscription, Amazon is looking to expand the service with additional features like an emergency help line and the ability to add more caregivers, like a neighbor or additional relatives.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/13768199-fall-prevention-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Falls are Increasing in Older Adults. Here are 5 Ways to Prevent Them</strong></a><strong> | Livestrong</strong></h4>



<p>Falls are on the rise, and they are the leading cause of injuries in older Americans. Here are some simple steps retirees can take to reduce their risk of falling — from making some updates around the house to staying in shape.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


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