
<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"><a href="https://www.nextavenue.org/happiest-retirees-and-unhappy-retirees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Who the Happiest Retirees and Most Unhappy Retirees Are</strong></a><strong> | Next Avenue</strong></h4>



<p>What makes for a happy retiree? Contentment looks different for everyone, but the authors of two new books share some insights about some of the key characteristics of happy retirees. Hint: Money is just part of the equation.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2021/11/04/mortgage-assistance-covid-colorado-housing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado launches program to help homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments</strong></a><strong> | The Colorado Sun</strong></h4>



<p>Colorado used its share of federal homeowner assistance funds to establish the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, which helps struggling homeowners who are past due on their mortgages. The program can cover up to three months of mortgage payments, and the money does not have to be paid back.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/investing/info-2021/complete-guide-to-financial-advisers.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Your Ultimate Guide to Financial Advisers</strong></a><strong> | AARP</strong></h4>



<p>It’s a good idea to seek professional help with big financial decisions and planning, but there are many types of financial advisers, and choosing the right one for the job can be a difficult task. AARP lists some of the credentials and other important factors to consider when searching for a financial professional.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/estate-planning/603634/estate-planning-for-pets-how-to-protect-your-furry-friends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Estate Planning for Pets: How to Protect Your Furry Friends</strong></a><strong> | Kiplinger</strong></h4>



<p>You may have already put considerable thought into what will happen to your assets like property and bank accounts when you die. But what about your pets? Here are some things to consider when planning for how your pets will be taken care of, and who will pay for it.</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: The Keys to Happiness in Retirement


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/guidance-booster-shots-covid-19-vaccine/73-5a06ff1a-8e57-4982-a044-658ac6ac646a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Breaking Down the Guidance for Booster Shots for the COVID-19 Vaccine</strong></a><strong> | 9News</strong></h4>



<p>Health officials in Colorado have given slightly different guidance than federal health officials on who is eligible for a third COVID-19 shot. Here’s what to know about who’s eligible in Colorado and where to get a booster shot.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/22702855/build-build-better-plan-medicare-negotiate-drug-prices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Can the US Cut Drug Prices Without Sacrificing New Cures?</strong></a><strong> | Vox</strong></h4>



<p>The latest federal proposal to rein in rising prescription drug costs would put a cap on the amount Medicare could pay for some drugs, with the goal of paying no more than 20 percent more than what other wealthy nations pay for the same drugs. Drug companies argue cost controls could limit their ability to produce new medications.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2021/10/07/is-the-backdoor-roth-ira-disappearing-before-our-e/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Is the Backdoor Roth IRA Disappearing Before Our Eyes?</strong></a><strong> | The Motley Fool</strong></h4>



<p>Lawmakers are considering a change that would eliminate the so-called “backdoor” Roth IRA. The backdoor strategy allows people whose income exceeds the limit to stash money away in a Roth IRA tax-free by taking advantage of a loophole.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.copera.org/news-you-should-know-whos-eligible-for-a-covid-19-booster-in-colorado" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="broken_link"><strong>U.S. News Ranks the Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2021-2022</strong></a><strong> | U.S. News &amp; World Report</strong></h4>



<p>U.S. News &amp; World Report ranked U.S. cities on a number of factors, including desirability, affordability, and access to health care, to determine which cities are the best places for retirees to live. See which state dominated the top 10 and where Colorado cities landed on the list.</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: Who’s Eligible for a COVID-19 Booster in Colorado?


<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>


News You Should Know: Beware of This Medicare Phone Scam


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/20/congress-aims-to-help-retirement-savers-find-lost-401k-pension-plans.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Lawmakers want to help retirement savers find their lost 401(k) and pension plans</strong></a><strong> | CNBC</strong></h4>



<p>Workers who leave their jobs sometimes leave their retirement accounts behind — to the tune of more than 16 million accounts holding less than $5,000 left sitting in workplace plans between 2004 and 2013, according to one study. Part of a retirement legislation package under consideration in Congress is a plan to create a national “lost and found” database for such accounts, making it easier to find money that’s been left behind.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/generation-z-invests-differently-and-how-firms-are-responding-to-that-11629890519" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Saving for retirement on TikTok? Gen Z invests differently</strong></a><strong> | MarketWatch</strong></h4>



<p>TikTok may have a reputation as an app for teens to share dance videos, but it’s a growing platform for sharing financial literacy information as well. As financial institutions change their strategies to reach younger audiences, some of them are branching out into social media apps like TikTok and recruiting influencers to help spread brand awareness.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/27/annuities-make-it-easier-for-retirees-to-spend-research-finds.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Annuities make it easier for retirees to spend, research finds</strong></a><strong> | CNBC</strong></h4>



<p>Retirees who rely on retirement accounts like 401(k)s/IRAs and their personal savings may worry about outliving their account balances and overspending. Purchasing an annuity, which provides guaranteed lifetime payments, may help ease that anxiety — a recent research paper found retirees with guaranteed income may spend as much as twice the amount spent by those relying on their savings.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/aging-in-place-retirees-prep-your-home-51630076579" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Aging in place is gaining popularity among retirees. How to prep your home.</strong></a><strong> | Barron’s</strong></h4>



<p>More older Americans are choosing to stay in their homes as they age, either to avoid or postpone moving into an assisted living facility. Here are some things to consider and some tips for making sure a home is well-equipped for aging adults.</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: Lawmakers Look to Create National ‘Lost and Found’ for Retirement Accounts


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/could-expanding-medicare-eligibility-reduce-racial-disparities-5196663" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Could expanding Medicare eligibility reduce racial disparities?</strong></a><strong> | Verywell Health</strong></h4>



<p>Communities of color often face bigger challenges accessing health care. Expanding access to Medicare by lowering the eligibility age could allow doctors to diagnose and treat health problems that result from those inequalities sooner.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/2021/06/22/people-adopted-better-financial-habits-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>People adopted better financial habits during the pandemic</strong></a><strong> | Marketplace</strong></h4>



<p>The COVID-19 pandemic upended many people’s lives and made clear the importance of saving money for a rainy day. Two recent surveys show how the pandemic led many to get more serious about saving and planning for the future.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/602554/plus-up-stimulus-checks-sent-to-9-million-americans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>&#8220;Plus-up&#8221; stimulus checks have already been sent to 9 million Americans – will you get one too?</strong></a><strong> | Kiplinger</strong></h4>



<p>If you received a third-round stimulus payment, you might be one of the millions of Americans receiving another “plus-up” payment. The additional payments are being sent to those whose previous payment was based on tax information from 2019 but who are eligible for a larger payment based on their information from 2020.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/these-are-the-3-elements-of-a-happy-retirement-11626207417?mod=home-page" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Opinion: These are the 3 elements of a happy retirement</strong></a><strong> | MarketWatch</strong></h4>



<p>Everyone’s retirement is different, and one person’s advice won’t necessarily apply to others, but a recent retiree says he’s found that a happy retirement includes these three key elements.</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: Could Expanding Medicare Address Inequalities?


<p><strong><a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/report/2020-employer-health-benefits-survey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2020 Employer Health Benefits Survey</a> | Kaiser Family Foundation</strong></p>



<p>This survey is geared toward employers who provide health insurance to employees. But the findings are eye-opening for individuals, too. They illustrate why the average American worker who retires before Medicare age faces sticker shock when shopping for health insurance. </p>



<p>In 2019, employees paid an average of $5,588 annually ($465 monthly) in premiums for family coverage through their employers. Employers, meanwhile, chipped in a staggering $15,754 ($1,312 monthly). Combined, family coverage ended up costing $21,342 per year ($1,778 monthly). </p>



<p>That employer contribution can obscure the overall cost of coverage. That, in turn, can explain why prices seem to jump so much when moving from employment to retirement. The overall price likely didn’t change too much. Instead, it&#8217;s losing the employer contribution that leads to the big jump in prices early retirees see.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/10/06/studies-confirm-that-half-of-americans-struggle-with-retirement/#2559f98b6f9f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies Confirm That Half Of Americans Struggle With Retirement</a> | Forbes</strong></p>



<p>Retirement experts have been warning about a retirement crisis for decades. That prediction is turning into an observation. For the next two decades, 10,000 people will blow out 65 candles on their birthday cakes—every single day. </p>



<p>Despite the drumbeat of warnings, about half of employees “are concerned with their household’s financial wellbeing.” And half of households “are in danger of lacking sufficient funds to continue their standard of living once they stop working.” This article explores why. (Note: it focuses on those who rely on defined contribution accounts for retirement).</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://content.copera.org/news-you-should-know-the-total-cost-of-health-insurance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The case for a retirement roommate</a> | NNY360</strong></p>



<p>The cost of renting is going up. And more than 40 percent of people age 65 and above live alone. Why not address both issues at once? </p>



<p>This author makes the case that more retirees should consider finding a roommate. Not only can it make financial sense, but having a roommate can also fend off one of the biggest risks retirees face: social isolation. It might not be for everyone, but it could be a great solution for many. In fact, one room-renting website reported that the number of users over 50 is growing twice as fast as other demographics.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/601482/medicare-from-soup-to-nuts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to Pick the Right Medicare Plans for You</a> | Kiplinger</strong></p>



<p>October is open enrollment time. For those looking for Medicare plans, navigating the options can be tricky. There are many parts (A, B, D) to consider, doughnut holes to avoid, and more. This article is an overview of what you need to know when assessing your needs and the available options. </p>



<p>(Note: PERA retirees have multiple Medicare insurance plans available through PERACare. During the month of October, you can attend a <a href="https://content.copera.org/news-you-should-know-the-total-cost-of-health-insurance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virtual meeting</a> to learn more about how these plans work.)</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>


Tag Archives:

News You Should Know: The Keys to Happiness in Retirement

News You Should Know: Who’s Eligible for a COVID-19 Booster in Colorado?

News You Should Know: Beware of This Medicare Phone Scam

News You Should Know: Lawmakers Look to Create National ‘Lost and Found’ for Retirement Accounts

News You Should Know: Could Expanding Medicare Address Inequalities?

News You Should Know: The Total Cost of Health Insurance

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