Podcasts about WEP

How does the Windfall Elimination Provision affect Canadians collecting both CPP and U.S. Social Security—and what's changing?In this episode of Snowbirds Expat Radio, host Gerry Scott is joined by guest Sharon Conrod, CPA of Hanson Cross-border Tax Professional Corporation for an in-depth conversation about the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and its implications for cross-border retirees. Together, they explore the history of WEP, recent updates, and how these changes may benefit Canadians who have worked in both countries.The discussion also touches on the Government Pension Offset (GPO), the differences between U.S. and Canadian retirement systems, and the importance of understanding how these policies intersect.If you're planning your retirement across borders—or already collecting benefits—this episode provides timely insight into how these evolving rules may impact your financial planning.Key Takeaways:WEP was designed to adjust U.S. Social Security benefits for individuals receiving non-covered pensions, like Canada's CPP.Recent changes may help reduce the impact of WEP for many Canadian retirees.The Government Pension Offset (GPO) affects spousal benefits and operates separately from WEP.Understanding the WEP calculation formula is essential to estimate your actual benefits.Political developments may influence the future of WEP and Social Security rules.Comparing CPP and U.S. Social Security isn't always straightforward due to structural and tax differences.Canadian residents can now apply for CPP without worrying about automatic reductions to U.S. benefits.

Today, Hamilton Morales, Senior ​VP and ​Social ​Security ​Strategist ​at FIG, is taking over as host to walk through some important Social Security changes taking place in 2025. He explains the newly signed Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). This change restores full Social Security benefits to millions of public sector workers who were previously penalized and even offers retroactive payments dating back to January 2024. He also covers important annual updates, including higher taxable wage bases, earnings limits for early retirees, and the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Plus, he previews potential legislation that could eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits altogether, while raising important questions about how to protect Social Security's long-term solvency.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

How unbelievable it feels to say this, but... the final episode is here! In the Season 3 finale, we bring you an intimate and spirited conversation with Mark Carter, the founder of Old Carter Whiskey. This entrepreneur, mentor, and friend has built a Bourbon legacy through grit, camaraderie, and unyielding positivity. Tune in to hear about Mark's journey, his philosophy on life, and the waiting list for a bottle of Old Carter that has become a legend in of itself.  In this episode, we are also joined by Rob Beatty, the Founder of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, who looks to Mark Carter as a mentor. You can hear more about Rob and his endeavors in EP 0 of Season 3.  Please visit http://www.lagralanespirits.org/episodes/oldcarter for shownotes, transcripts, and more.   Links:    Guests: Mark Carter - https://www.instagram.com/markcarter52/ Old Carter Whiskey - https://www.oldcarterwhiskeyco.com/ Rob Beatty - https://robbeattybrands.com/ KBBG - https://kentuckyblackbourbonguild.com/   Additional links + Special thanks to: Flask Fine Wine & Whisky in Studio City - https://flaskfinewines.com/ WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/ Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97  

In this episode, we take a tour of Bespoken Spirits, the innovative distillery that is transforming the Bourbon industry, one molecule at a time. Instead of waiting years for whiskey to age in barrels, Bespoken Spirits has developed a method that replicates the aging process in just a few days. Tune in to hear how this distillery uses cutting-edge technology like gas chromatographs and mass spectrometers to create bourbons that are delicious, sustainable, and accessible. This episode is for everyone—whether you're a science enthusiast, a bourbon lover, or simply curious about what the heck a “gas chromatograph” could be! Bespoken Spirits was an exciting and unexpected stop on our Kentucky adventure. Our guides, Jordan Spitzer (Head of Flavor) and Colin Mulligan (Director of Development), kept the discussion on-the-go as they escorted us through Bespoken Spirits' labs and production facilities. You'll hear a bit of a warbling sound, as their facilities were vast, echoey, and filled with the hums and whirrings of high-tech equipment.  This episode also features curious questions from our production team, who were learning right along with us!   Please visit http://www.lagralanespirits.org/episodes/bespoken for shownotes, transcripts, and more.   Links   Guest: Bepsoken Spirits: https://www.instagram.com/bespokenspirits/ Sable Bourbon Whiskey: https://sablebourbon.com/ Hell House Whiskey: https://hellhousewhiskey.com/   Additional links + Special thanks to: WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/ Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97

In this episode, we meet with Tia and Sean Edwards, a couple whose journey began at a gas station and led to redefining the bourbon industry. Tia and Sean's Lexington-based distillery, Fresh Bourbon, is on a bold mission to make bourbon accessible to everyone. Their journey is not just about crafting a drink but about reclaiming ownership (a word that speaks volumes to us) in an industry that hasn't always been inclusive.  We recorded this episode with Sean and Tia shortly after an interactive “build-your-own Old Fashioned” tasting experience, led by Nate Taylor, the VP of Brand Management at Fresh Bourbon. Throughout the episode, you'll hear the occasional clinking of glasses as Nate prepares Fresh Bourbon's stunning bar area for the next group of bourbon connoisseurs. If you haven't visited Fresh Bourbon yet, it's worth the trip. And if Lexington isn't in your future, please grab a glass, pour yourself some bourbon (Fresh, if you can), and tune in to this captivating and inspiring episode. Please visit http://www.lagralanespirits.org/episodes/freshbourbon for shownotes, transcripts, and more.   Links Guests: Tia and Sean Edwards, Founders Fresh Bourbon https://www.instagram.com/freshbourbon/ https://freshbourbon.com/   Additional links + Special thanks to: WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/ Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97

We reconnect with Jason's long-time friend, Cyndi Gatterdam, and her husband, Chris Grecco. Cyndi has 20+ years experience in the bourbon industry, currently serving as the District Sales Manager at Republic National Distributing. In classic “Cocktail Confession” fashion, Jason and Yvonne discuss how bourbon has become an integral part of culture, a symbol of identity, and a bridge between generations.  In this episode, we enjoy homemade cocktails by Jason – self-dubbed the “Best At-Home Bartender in Studio City.” The sounds of Jason making another round of drinks, setting glasses on the table, and the creaks of old, wooden floors in a 19th-century colonial home set the scene for a riveting conversation with our two dear friends. So please pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy.  Please visit www.lagralanespirits.org/episodes/cyndichris for shownotes, transcripts, and more.   Links Guests Cyndi Gatterdam - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-gatterdam-80b04228b Chris Grecco - https://elementmr.com/who-we-are/our-team/chris-grecco/ Republic National Distributing Company - https://www.rndc-usa.com/   Additional links + Special thanks to: WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/ Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97 Bourbon Women - https://bourbonwomen.org Which Fork Do I Use with My Bourbon? by Peggy Noe Stevens (Cyndi's mentor) & Susan Riegler - https://a.co/d/3988Ut3  

In this episode, Jason and Yvonne take listeners on a trip through the grounds of the Old Taylor Distillery – a historic site that was abandoned for over 30 years before Castle and Key brought it back to life in 2018. At the time of our visit, our lovable guest and guide, Valerie (Val) Colella, was Castle & Key's Single Barrel Specialist and National Brand Ambassador. Join us as we explore the castle-inspired architecture, the rich history of bourbon-making, and the untold stories of the women and enslaved individuals who shaped the industry. As you listen to this episode, you'll hear everything from train whistles to mash bills hissing to factory clangs! The vast grounds of the Old Taylor Distillery are filled with diverse structures and ambient sounds that tell the fascinating story of this charming bourbon destination. Each unique environment from the sunken gardens to cavernous rickhouses influences the audio in a way that we hope will immerse you into the rich atmosphere that is Castle and Key. At times, you will also hear inquisitive remarks from our Production Team, who joined us on this exciting adventure.  Please visit http://www.lagralanespirits.org/episodes/castlekey for shownotes, transcripts, and more.   Links Guest: Valerie Colella - https://www.instagram.com/therealwhiskeywoman/ Castle & Key - https://www.castleandkey.com/   Additional links + Special thanks to: WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/ Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97

What does it take to break into an industry that hasn't made room for you? For Victor Yarbrough and his brothers, the answer is clear: a whole lot of grit, a little bit of chemistry, and an unshakable commitment to their community. In this episode, we sit down with Victor, one-third of the trio behind Brough Brothers Distillery — one of the only Black-owned distilleries in Kentucky. In the Spirit of Bourbon: Brough Brothers was recorded in 2024. You know what that means? Any Bourbon releasing “this year” …is available now. So pour yourself a glass of Brough Brothers — this is one story you don't want to miss. Please visit www.lagralanespirits.org/episodes/broughbrothers for shownotes, transcripts, and more. Links   Guest: Victor Yarbrough, Brough Brothers https://broughbrothers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/broughbrothers/ Additional links + Special thanks to: WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/ Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97  

Brian Skrobonja breaks down the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).  He covers how retirees can strategically use their lump sum to create long-term financial stability, the impact of the repeal on spousal and survivor benefits, and the broader financial strain on the Social Security system.  Tune in to hear essential insights into how to adapt your financial strategy and take full advantage of this game-changing reform. Brian starts by explaining why the repeal of the WEP and the GPO is a big deal for retirees. A good example of how this repeal affects retirees is higher Social Security benefits--retirees can now reduce reliance on personal savings and investment withdrawals. Brian talks about the impact on spousal and survivor benefits. The repeal eliminates the harsh reductions that often left surviving spouses with little to no income. Brian explains why retirees need a strategy for their lump sum payments. Instead of spending it impulsively, consider reinvesting in assets that create long-term financial security. How the repeal changes retirement planning for government workers. Formerly penalized for having a pension, they can now receive full Social Security benefits without reductions. Brian highlights why this repeal adds financial strain to the Social Security system. The Congressional Budget Office projects billions in additional costs, worsening the program's long-term stability. Brian reveals the biggest challenge Social Security now faces. Recalculating benefits for millions of retirees while managing retroactive payments creates an administrative nightmare for the Social Security office. Brian highlights the fairness issue with this change. Government employees with brief private-sector work history may now receive benefits exceeding lifelong private-sector workers with similar earnings. How younger workers may bear the financial burden of this repeal. Without a payroll tax increase, the long-term cost shifts onto the next generation of retirees. Understand how to make the most of this new opportunity. With higher benefits, retirees should rethink their tax strategy, pension withdrawals, and investment plans. Brian shares the best way to maximize Social Security benefits. Coordinating Social Security payments with pension income, investment distributions, and annuities can optimize cash flow for you in retirement. Brian explains the tax implications of higher Social Security benefits and how increased payments could push retirees into higher tax brackets. According to Brian, this change creates new financial planning opportunities. Retirees can explore strategies like Roth conversions or delaying withdrawals to reduce tax burdens. Brian explains how ignoring these changes could cost you and potentially derail your retirement. The repeal is a game changer and failing to adapt your financial strategy means missing out on valuable benefits or paying more in taxes.      Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com SkrobonjaFinancial.com SkrobonjaWealth.com BUILDbanking.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube  Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify     References for this episode: https://www.nea.org/resource-library/faq-social-security-fairness-act#:~:text=Impacted%20individuals%20will%20see%20an%20estimated%20average%20increase%20of%20%24360,vary%20based%20on%20employment%20history https://hayes.house.gov/2025/1/social-security-fairness-act-legislation-co-sponsored-by-hayes-signed-into-law-by-president-biden#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20the%20CBO%20estimates%20that,for%20380%2C000%20impacted%20spouses%20and https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/repealing-social-securitys-wep-and-gpo-rules-would-be-misguided https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60392#:~:text=In%20CBO's%20projections%2C%20the%20balance,the%20balance%20of%20the%20Disability     Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Our firm is not endorsed by or affiliated with any government agency.

In this episode, we meet with Elizabeth McCall, the Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve, who leads a tasting that feels more like an art class than a lesson in Bourbon. Elizabeth shows us how pairing curated foods with Bourbon releases new flavors. And together, we experience how pairing a few good stories with Bourbon can unlock an unforgettable conversation.  Our greatest takeaway? Bourbon is more than a drink — it's a way to explore identity and history.  This episode also features the voices and palettes of our dear friend, Cyndi Gatterdam and our Producing Team. We hope you'll enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere as we share stories over delicious Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Please visit www.lagralanespirits.org/episodes/woodford for shownotes, transcripts, and more.   Links: Guest Elizabeth McCall https://www.woodfordreserve.com/press-room/elizabeth-mccall/ https://www.woodfordreserve.com/ https://www.woodfordreserve.com/lifestyle/   Additional links + Special thanks to: WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/ Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97

The complexity of Social Security calculations can cause some confusion around when someone eligible should file and claim their benefit. There are a lot of variables to consider and acronyms to decipher that can make Social Security feel like a confusing hedge maze. Let's cut through some of the noise and clarify some of the most pressing questions around Social Security benefits and what questions you need to consider to determine what's best for you and your family. Social Security has many layers, and the concept of eligibility can be pretty complex. It's not always clear when and how someone should begin taking their benefits because being eligible doesn't necessarily mean you should turn that benefit on. Social Security benefits can be turned on as early as age 62. Each year the benefit is delayed, you receive what is called a delayed retirement credit or DRC. These DRCs guarantee an automatic 8% increase in your Social Security benefit every year you delay up to age 70. There is also your full retirement age. This is the age when you are eligible to receive the full benefit without any offset for having earned income. Earned income being income from employment, which is different from income received from investments, pensions or annuities. For those born in 1960, or later, your FRA is age 67. Benefits are calculated by the Social Security Administration by taking 35 years of earnings that are indexed for inflation. Any years you didn't work are counted as a zero in your average earnings calculation. These annual amounts are then totaled and divided by four and 20 months to arrive at the monthly figure known as your average indexed monthly earning. This number is different from your benefit amount. The SSA then applies a formula to that number which determines your primary insurance amount or PIA and this is your monthly Social Security benefit. If you choose to take your benefit before your FRA while employed, there's an offset that can significantly reduce the benefit if your income exceeds $21,240 in 2023. This reduction is $1 for every $2 of earned income over the limit. In the year you reach your FRA, the limit increases to $56,520 in 2023, with a benefit reduction of $1 for every $3 of earned income over the limit. After you've reached your FRA there's no earning limits and you receive the full benefit with no income offsets. Provisional income comes into play after your benefits are activated. Your provisional income is calculated by taking your adjusted gross income plus half of your Social Security benefit. If that total is less than $25,000, your Social Security benefit is not subject to federal tax. If it is  above 25,000, but below 34,000, 50% of the benefit is taxed, and if it's above 34,000, 85% of the benefit is taxed. If you're a government employee, there's something called a Windfall Elimination Provision, or WEP. And there's also a Government Pension Offset, or GPO. There are three common conversations we have with clients when it comes to Social Security. The first thing is determining the breakeven point. One method for deciding when to take Social Security benefits involves calculating the breakeven point, this is the future point in time when the value of one option equals that of another. For example, if your FRA benefit is $2,000 a month, and $1,400 at age 62, there's a $600 a month difference. When compared to waiting the five years and taking the full amount, the breakeven point would be 11.6 years. Something else to keep in mind is that by taking a benefit early, you reduce the amount of spousal benefit made available since the benefit in and of itself has been reduced and this could be an important consideration. The second consideration relates to one's health and longevity. If you don't expect to live past that breakeven point, taking the benefit early might make more sense. From this perspective, it could be a win-win situation if they start receiving benefits early and they live longer than expected because the payments continue. We can't know our lifespan for certain, but if you're in poor health, taking benefits early might be a reasonable option. The third consideration involves a person's retirement income requirement. Many clients we work with see Social Security simply as a piece of the retirement income strategy, and aren't necessarily concerned with breakeven points as much as they are with maximizing their assets and the resources. Many clients opt to turn their Social Security benefits on instead of tapping into their assets in order to maintain growth. Using assets to generate income in retirement also comes with variables that are hard to predict, like the conditions of the stock market and economic policy. Social Security, in comparison, is stable and easy to predict. Figuring out your retirement income requires careful planning, which is why it's crucial to work with a professional that understands Social Security and its role in your retirement plan.     Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube  Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify BrianSkrobonja.com/Resources - Free Resources To Help You Protect Your Financial Future Common Sense: YOUR Guide to Making Smart Choices with YOUR Money by Brian Skrobonja SSA.gov   References for this episode: SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/delayret.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxes.html   Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered  individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be  rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in  place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you  away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or  lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. 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Barbara O'Neill, CFP®, AFC® and Scott Dauenhauer CFP® break down the recently passed Social Security Fairness Act and what it means for some educators. They cover why the WEP and GPO were first put in place and what it's repeal means for: Those currently collecting Social Security benefits Those new eligible to collect Social Security benefits Those lacking enough credits to qualify for Social Security benefits At the conclusion of the recording of this episode Scott got a call from a family member who he had helped apply for this new benefit who shared the good news that she had just received a Social Security check for more than $9,000.  The Social Security Fairness Act: A Holiday Season Miracle Social Security Administration Social Security Fairness Act 403(b) Plans and Social Security  Guardians of SS FBG WEP Chart note: Link mentioned in pod mysteriously stopped working the day after recording. A web search for new link is recommended.  Opinion: Social Security Fairness Act will be tricky to implement Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

What's new for Social Security in 2025? – With some 73 million Americans relying on Social Security for monthly income, there is a lot of interest in the recent changes to Social Security benefits. Jeff Perry and Russ Ball discuss the recent updates, including the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), 2025 cost of living adjustment, and changes to income levels related to income taxes. Jeff and Russ informed listeners how to check on their future benefit estimates. Jeff and Russ also discuss best practices for retaining important documents, including income tax supporting data, military records, and more. Check out our previous podcast on Social Security Fairness and the repeal of WEP: https://somethingmorewithchrisboyd.libsyn.com/social-security-fairness For more information or to reach Chris Boyd, Russ Ball or Jeff Perry, click the following link: https://www.wealthenhancement.com/s/advisor-teams/amr  

Big changes are on the horizon for retirees impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5, 2025, is expected to increase benefits for millions of retirees while introducing new challenges for the Social Security system. In todays podcast, I will break down what this means for you and how to adapt your retirement strategy to these changes. Plus, be sure to listen to the end to learn about our new updates to the Retirement Budget Calculator that help you stress-test your Social Security strategy. To find links and resources mentioned in today's podcast, visit SoundRetirementPlanning.com and click on episode #443.. The Retirement Budget Calculator is an intuitive tool that promises ease and accuracy. However, like any tool, user error could potentially lead to costly mistakes. To avoid this, let the experienced advisors at Parker Financial LLC guide you. When you hire our team, we offer a comprehensive review of your current investments, taxes, and the data in the Retirement Budget Calculator. We will ensure your plan's completeness and accuracy, helping you create an investment strategy, assist with tax planning, and monitor your plan to maximize your retirement benefits. At Parker Financial we offer a well-crafted retirement investment strategy, deeply rooted in academic data and financial science which can be the key to a prosperous retirement. Don't leave your future to chance. Take the first step towards a sound retirement. Schedule your complimentary discovery session now by visiting Parker-Financial.net let us help you make the most of your retirement years.      

Listener Q&A where Andy talks about: What it means between an advisor who calls themself a financial planner vs wealth manager vs any other label they choose to use ( 10:24 )My thoughts on the recently repealed Windfall Elimination Provision ("WEP") and Government Pension Offset ("GPO") parts of Social Security ( 20:35 )A follow up to a previously discussed Q&A topic about how much umbrella insurance to purchase ( 31:18 )How income is taxed to a recently deceased person vs their heirs or their estate ( 37:08 )How best to gift money to grandchildren to get them started with saving and investing ( 42:10 )Understanding a bond or bond fund's "duration" and how to use it measure the bond or bond fund's interest rate price change risk. And what it means to have a recommended "holding period" for a bond fund ( 46:45 )To send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.comMy company newsletter - Retirement Planning InsightsFacebook group - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Taxes in Retirement)YouTube channel - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Retirement Planning Demystified)Retirement Planning Education website - www.RetirementPlanningEducation.com

The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5 by former President Joe Biden, repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which previously reduced Social Security benefits for individuals with non-covered pensions, such as teachers, firefighters, and postal workers. This change significantly increases benefits for affected individuals, in some cases by over $1,000 per month, and applies retroactively to the end of 2023.While the law addresses long-standing concerns about fairness, it also accelerates the depletion of Social Security funds, already projected to face insolvency by the 2030s. This $190 billion expense over the next decade may force future changes, such as tax increases, higher retirement ages, or adjustments to the system. For those impacted by WEP or GPO, the law offers immediate financial relief but highlights the need for broader, sustainable reform to preserve Social Security for all beneficiaries.Questions answered:How does the Social Security Fairness Act impact individuals with non-covered pensions like teachers, firefighters, and postal workers?What are the potential long-term consequences of the Social Security Fairness Act on the Social Security fund's sustainability?  Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - SS Fairness Act -- ex. Maria2:46 - Bend points4:49 - Back to Maria's situation5:54 - Pros and cons7:38 - Bill magnifies SS problemsCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.

This episode looks at whether you qualify or not for the $200 billion Social Security benefits approved by the U.S. Congress. Host David McKnight shares that, with the current status quo, the Social Security Trust Fund is on pace to go bust by 2033. If that were to happen, only about 83% of benefits would be paid out…  If signed into law by President Joe Biden, the Social Security Fairness Act would provide an additional $200 billion in Social Security benefits to nearly 2.8 million Americans over the next 10 years. The Social Security Fairness Act would eliminate two policies that have reduced benefits for public service employees: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The people most likely to be affected by the elimination of these two provisions are about 28% of state and local government employees who are covered by alternative retirement systems and permanent civilian federal employees hired prior to January 1, 1984. U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Susan Collins (Maine), co-sponsors of the Social Security Fairness Act, believe that the WEP and GPO have historically penalized people for choosing to serve their communities by dramatically reducing Social Security benefits.  While David believes that Americans should get their due when it comes to their Social Security benefits, he wonders whether this is something that America can really afford… According to the Nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, the passage of the bill in question will accelerate the insolvency of the Social Security Trust Fund by six months. David sees the Social Security Fairness Act and its repercussions on Americans as “yet another unfunded obligation on the balance sheet of the Federal Government.”     Mentioned in this episode: David's national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track DavidMcKnight.com DavidMcKnightBooks.com PowerOfZero.com (free video series) @mcknightandco on Twitter  @davidcmcknight on Instagram David McKnight on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at taxfreetoolkit.com Congressional Budget Office President Joe Biden U.S. Congress U.S. Senate Senator Sherrod Brown (Ohio) Senator Susan Collins (Maine) CBS News Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget

The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Jan. 6 thanks to strong bipartisan support. The intent was to provide greater retirement security and “fairness” to people who have dedicated their careers to public service, with bill supporters saying the old law unfairly stripped many low-income government and public workers of the benefits they deserve.But did they get it wrong? Andrew G. Biggs, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a nationally recognized expert on retirement issues and Social Security policy, makes a compelling argument for why the Social Security Fairness Act essentially amounts to a $200 billion giveaway to people who neither need the benefits nor paid into the system to receive them.Key InsightsImpact of Social Security Fairness Act: The repeal of WEP and GPO provisions increases Social Security benefits for public sector employees but raises concerns about fairness and financial sustainability​.Public Sector Pension Dynamics: Many public employees benefit from generous pensions and may now receive additional Social Security benefits, leading to "double-dipping" concerns​.Fiscal Consequences: The $200 billion cost of the legislation accelerates the depletion of Social Security trust funds, threatening long-term sustainability​.

Text us your financial questions!Henssler Money Talks — January 11, 2025  Season 39, Episode 2 This week on "Money Talks," Director of Research Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, is joined by Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, to weigh in on the ISM Manufacturing and Nonmanufacturing indices, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover for November, and the minutes from the last Federal Open Market Committee meeting and what they indicated for future rate cuts. The experts had an open discussion on the Social Security Fairness Act that eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset for federal and municipal government employees. In this week's case study, D.J. and K.C. talk about how they frequently find themselves stepping into the role of a mediator or “marriage counselor” when helping couples navigate emotionally charged financial topics. The episode finishes with the hosts responding to listeners' questions on senior marriages that could eliminate some Social Security benefits and how to determine what holdings to trim for required minimum distributions.Timestamps and Chapters00:00: Market Roundup: Jan. 6 – Jan. 10, 202518:15: Open Discussion: Social Security Fairness Act27:14: Case Study:  Navigating Emotional Financial Topics39:20: Q&A Time: Intel Corp., and Trading HoursFollow Henssler:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HensslerFinancial/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/HensslerFinancial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/henssler-financial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hensslerfinancial/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hensslerfinancial?lang=en X: https://www.x.com/hensslergroup  “Money Talks” is brought to you by Henssler Financial. Sign up for the Money Talks Newsletter: https://www.henssler.com/newsletters/ 

FUN HALF LINK HERE: https://youtube.com/live/qzCOCJJt2o4 It's News Day Tuesday! Sam and Emma speak with Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works, to discuss President Biden signing the Social Security Fairness Act into law. First, Sam and Emma run through updates on the GOP's reconciliation fight, Trump's second certified election W, Merrick Garland's Jan 6th report, Fetterman's support for more right-wing legislation, Senate GOPers push for ICC sanctions, Virginia's special elections, CIA's surveillance of Latino activists, Rudy Giuliani's contempt of court, Guantanamo's prisoners, Zuckerberg's re-welcoming of misinformation back to Meta, and gender-affirming care data, before diving a little deeper into Big Tech's overwhelming capitulation to Donald Trump's regime, from Zuckerberg's Meta misinformation to Bezos' Washington Post censorship. Alex Lawson then joins, quickly running through the recent debates over social security – from the Trump-Musk push to cut it via the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to Biden's recent passage of the Social Security Fairness Act – before taking a major step back to the Reagan Administration as he walks through Reagan's sweeping WEP and GPO kneecaps to Social Security, serving to cut all benefits by 14% and completely carving teachers, police officers, and firefighters out of the system, respectively, and serving to bolster the rapid development of wealth inequality over the four decades since, helped all the while by the shift from defined-benefit pensions to defined-contribution 401ks. Jumping back to the modern day, Alex, Sam, and Emma unpack the attacks to be expected as Trump's DOGE takes over, from addressing supposed concerns about growing life expectancy – a development only affecting the wealthy – to attempts to make it more “profitable” by undercutting benefits rather than raising revenue, and tackling the unsurprising solution of simply lifting (or even eliminating) the income cap that prevents wealthy people from paying their fair share into the system. Wrapping up, they assess the overwhelming popularity of Social Security (outside of DC, of course), and what it will take to protect it. And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma parse through Trump's outlandish territory claims – from the Gulf of Mexico to Greenland – and the concerning motives that could be behind them, before diving deep into the GOP's ongoing reconciliation infighting, as Larry Kudlow presses Ted Cruz over the decision to keep it as one massive bill. They also unpack Hannity's malaise over recent attacks on the wealthy, Musk's relationship with Argentina's poverty-pusher Javier Milei, and Tim Pool's recent freakout over jailed January 6th defendants, plus, your calls and IMs! Follow Alex and SSW on Twitter here: https://x.com/ssworks Find out more about Social Security Works here: https://socialsecurityworks.org/ See if your money is being used to fund climate chaos here!: https://bank.green/ Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase! 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Watch out for record fraud when shopping. With technology, shopping has become so easy and set records in 2024 of around $5.3 trillion. While this by itself is a problem as some people are over shopping, it has also invited more fraud than ever before and for the first three quarters of 2024 there was an increase of 14.5% to $8.7 billion of shoppers who lost money to fraud. Two things are happening here. First, consumers may be too emotionally excited about the purchase and they forget to look for scams that could be happening to them. The second item is the scammers are becoming smarter about how to scam people and they are making it more difficult to detect. To avoid being scammed, it is always wise to deal with a company that you know. However, even that may not guarantee your safety. Scammers can now use names that look very similar to the names you know. They can do this by simply adding or deleting a period or a letter somewhere in the title. So before you make that purchase, be sure it is the correct site that you want to be at and you're not sending your money to some scammer from across the world!   Should you be investing in airline stocks with the record year they've had? It has been quite the year for airline stocks and there have been huge one-year gains for United Airlines at 138% and Delta Airlines at 49%. While it was a laggard compared with its peers, American Airlines still posted a strong return of 29%. It is forecasted for holiday travel between December 19th and January 6th, there will be a record number of travelers at 54 million. Since our economy was reopened after Covid, consumers continue to enjoy traveling, which has benefited the airlines. Even with the record number of travelers and the large gains for the airline stocks, they still trade at reasonable price to earnings ratios of 9.7 for United Airlines, 10.1 for Delta and 10.5 for American Airlines. My concern is could this be a value trap going forward? The low price to earnings ratio might suck you in only to see a slowdown in travelers in 2025. We could also see a little bit higher oil prices based on production not coming online quick enough to keep up with demand, which would hurt the profit margins for these companies. While they might look enticing, I wouldn't be interested in adding these positions to my portfolio at this time.   Could you benefit from the private prison boom that may happen in 2025? In 2025 there could be a huge demand for detention centers and investors may benefit from investing in the private detention center called CoreCivic Inc, trading under the symbol CXW. CoreCivic has a market cap of about $2.4 billion and a FFO on a forward basis of $1.79. The company could benefit from recent statements from ICE saying it will need enough beds to detain a minimum of 100,000 migrants. The agency already has funding for 41,500 beds. Their competitor GEO has a head start already housing about 40% of ICE detainees. It should be noted that CoreCivic was at $14 the day before the election and it climbed to $22 the day after. There was concern that some banks would withdraw funding from companies who participated in the immigrant detentions, however it appears that CoreCivic does not need any new capital to bring on new facilities or bring back idle facilities. The high estimate for deportation would be 1 million people in one year at a cost of $88 billion. It is estimated that there were 11 million undocumented migrants in the US as of 2022. These higher dollars could benefit the private prisons as a quick alternative if there is no room in the county jails. I was disappointed that the company does not pay a dividend, but it has pulled back from a recent high of $24.99 a share to under $22 a share. At the price the stock would trade at a reasonable 12.29x the estimated FFO for 2025. An executive from the private company GEO group spoke about an unprecedented opportunity for their company, it could be a good investment opportunity for the small investor as well.   “Big Social Security Changes Coming” The Social Security Fairness Act is set to be signed into law next week and will impact Social Security benefits for millions of Americans.  This bipartisan bill will eliminate the “Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)” and the “Government Pension Offset (GPO)” which currently reduce social security benefits for workers and spouses who have public pensions.  The Windfall Elimination Provision applies when someone has worked a job where they paid into Social Security and also a job where they did not pay into Social Security and receive a pension instead.  In this case, the Social Security benefits are reduced based on how many years they paid into Social Security.  The Government Pension Offset applies when a spouse is entitled to a Social Security spousal or widow benefit but they also worked a job where they did not pay into Social Security themselves.  In this case, the amount of their pension reduces the Social Security benefits they are entitled to receive.  With the passing of this new Social Security act and the elimination of the WEP and GPO, Americans who were having Social Security benefits reduced will no longer see a reduction.  This is one of the largest changes to Social Security in the last several years.  The downside is, the increased benefits will cause the Social Security trust fund to run out sooner, even if the elimination results in a fairer benefit system.    Companies Discussed: Tidewater Inc (TDW), Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ), Carvana Co. (CVNA) & VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN)

It's so close, those in favor can practically taste it. The statutory ending of the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset. WEP and GPO have reduced Social Security benefits for thousands of state and local government employees and certain federal ones. An update on this and other matters from the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association's John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's so close, those in favor can practically taste it. The statutory ending of the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset. WEP and GPO have reduced Social Security benefits for thousands of state and local government employees and certain federal ones. An update on this and other matters from the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association's John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Social Security Fairness Act is inching even closer to passage. At a rally in front of the Capitol building this week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer committed to bringing the bill to a floor vote, and that's after the legislation to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, WEP and GPO cleared the House last month. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman was at this week's rally. She joins me now with the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Social Security Fairness Act is inching even closer to passage. At a rally in front of the Capitol building this week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer committed to bringing the bill to a floor vote, and that's after the legislation to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, WEP and GPO cleared the House last month. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman was at this week's rally. She joins me now with the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Women's Education Project. You can access the webinar recording here.Women's Education Project presents the Red Bangle Award annually to women who “by their life and accomplishments demonstrate the indomitable eloquence of the human spirit.” Inaugurated in 2014, the award recognizes women leaders globally who share WEP's vision and inspire its students, young Indian women, to higher goals.This year's recipients, Neha Kirpal, Co-founder of Amaha Health, and Paige Johnson, VP of Public Sector at Microsoft, each embody the spirit of the Red Bangle Award through their deep personal commitment and sustained professional work on issues of access to mental health services and educational opportunities through the strategic use of technology.Dr. Anjlee Prakash, Founder and Executive Director of Learning Links Foundation and 2019 Red Bangle recipient, present the awards. Following the ceremony, Neha and Paige join Zoë Timms, WEP's Founding Executive Director, in a discussion of their personal journeys advocating for quality online environments and a commitment to access and inclusion within the quickly expanding markets of online Mental Healthcare and EdTech.This edWeb podcast is of interest to high school teachers, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, education technology leaders, adult learners, and anyone interested in learning about inspiring global projects promoting gender equality, women's leadership, education, and mental health.Women's Education ProjectWomen's Education Project (WEP) prepares women to become earners, leaders and changemakers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Join Mostly Superheroes the podcast in this episode with Logan, Scotty Scoop, and The Giggler as they dive into Voltron movie news! Sterling K. Brown and Henry Cavill have joined the cast so far. Bob Koplar from WEP comments on the casting of Brown and the journey to the release of the much anticipated film.. Plus, get a sneak peek of our Screen & Social event on December 16th at Alamo Drafthouse St. Louis to see "Kraven the Hunter" and our Best of 2024 Season 5 Finale dropping before Christmas. Subscribe today, tell a friend, and thanks for supporting this indie podcast! www.mostlysuperheroes.com/season-5-blogcast/voltron-movie-casts-sterling-k-brown ©2024 Carrogan Ventures, LLC

Income bracket adjustments, increases to gifting amount and end of year tax moves. Plus a college guru who claims he will get your kid into Harvard and some acronyms that could impact your social security payments.

With Jim attending an Ed Slott conference, Chris takes some time to answer a WEP and GPO question before offering listeners general information on Social Security changes for 2025 and a detailed walkthrough of the WEP and GPO provisions of Social Security. (6:30) George asks for more information on whether Social Security offsets are adjusted […] The post Social Security WEP and GPO Special: Q&A #2443 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

How much should you save in pre-tax accounts vs. post-tax accounts? Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on the "age plus 20" rule for retirement savings, Roth 401(k) contributions and distributions, and a Social Security claiming strategy for Ralph and Marie in Wilmington, Delaware. Shawn wonders if YMYW listeners are ignoring the WEP and GPO when it comes to Social Security, that is, the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. Plus, can Jake and Amy in Iowa retire in 5 years, or do they need to work beyond age 60? Should Edwin stop making Roth contributions and start doing Roth conversions instead? And finally, how can Jeff in North Dakota's son qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit? Access all the following free financial resources and the episode transcript: https://bit.ly/ymyw-496 REGISTER NOW: Medicare Basics webinar - TOMORROW, Wednesday Sept. 25, 2024, 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern, with Robert Dow and Lisa Velasco, Medicare specialists from the Dow Agency CALCULATE: A Financial Blueprint of your retirement readiness for free! DOWNLOAD: Social Security Handbook DOWNLOAD: Medicare Check-Up Guide WATCH YMYW TV: Medicare Check-Up: How to Keep Your Retirement Plan Off Life Support REQUEST: Retirement Spitball Analysis SCHEDULE: free financial assessment SUBSCRIBE: YMYW on YouTube DOWNLOAD: more free guides READ: financial blogs WATCH: educational videos SUBSCRIBE: YMYW Newsletter   Timestamps:  00:00 - Intro 01:09 - Roth 401(k) Contributions and Distributions, Age Plus 20 Rule, and Social Security Claiming Strategy (Ralph and Marie, Wilmington, DE) 12:35 - Download the Social Security Handbook, Download the Medicare Check-Up Guide, Watch Medicare Check-Up: How to Keep Your Retirement Plan Off Life Support on YMYW TV, Register for the Medicare Basics webinar Wed. Sept 25, 12P/3E 13:37 - Are Listeners Ignoring Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision for Social Security? (Shawn) 17:30 - Can We Retire in 5 Years Or Do We Need to Work After Age 60? (Jake & Amy, Iowa) 26.36 - Financial Blueprint - get your complementary retirement analysis 27:45 - Should I Stop Roth Contributions and Do Roth Conversions instead? (Edwin) 31:24 - American Opportunity Tax Credit for College Age Son (Jeff, ND) 35:58 - Outro

Can it be, the repeal of the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset will actually happen? The WEP and GPO that hold back Social Security benefits for certain federal and other government employees? We get the latest from a leading advocate for repeal. From the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can it be, the repeal of the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset will actually happen? The WEP and GPO that hold back Social Security benefits for certain federal and other government employees? We get the latest from a leading advocate for repeal. From the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security (COLA and WEP), perspectives on annuities, and Delayed Variable Income Annuities… (9:15) A listener wants to know if there is better way to project Social Security benefits since it does not appear the SS website takes COLA into account. (17:30) Georgette asks […] The post COLA, WEP, and Annuities: Q&A #2437 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Lawmakers are officially filing their discharge petition today to try to move the Social Security Fairness Act to a floor vote. The bill aims to repeal the WEP and G-P-O, two provisions that reduce or eliminate Social Security for certain public servants. The discharge petition will only move forward if the document gains 218 signatures, a House majority. The Social Security Fairness Act currently has 326 cosponsors. NARFE is urging all House representatives to sign the petition to move the bill to a floor vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers are officially filing their discharge petition today to try to move the Social Security Fairness Act to a floor vote. The bill aims to repeal the WEP and G-P-O, two provisions that reduce or eliminate Social Security for certain public servants. The discharge petition will only move forward if the document gains 218 signatures, a House majority. The Social Security Fairness Act currently has 326 cosponsors. NARFE is urging all House representatives to sign the petition to move the bill to a floor vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When should you claim your Social Security benefits? What do benefits look like for teachers who contribute to Teacher Retirement Systems? What is the survivor step-up strategy? In this episode of Retirement Made Easy, we'll dive into some of the more complex areas of Social Security that people need to know about but are rarely told.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [1:48] Check out our website for some FREE resources [2:27] Should you claim sooner or later? [6:19] The way Social Security is taxed [8:51] The GPO or WEP rules for survivor benefits [12:17] The survivor step-up strategy [19:34] Cost-of-living adjustments [24:03] How the spousal benefit works Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Widows Move Forward on Their Own – But Not Alone Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security benefits, WEP, HSAs, MYGAs, and their retirement planning process. (9:15) Chris begins the show by describing a current situation where he is trying to help someone with filing for Social Security and Medicare after spending most of their life going by a […] The post SS Benefits, WEP, HSAs, MYGAs, and Retirement Planning: Q&A #2432 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

This week Don takes questions about: 2:00 Investing for Grandson 4:14 Evaluating 401k Investments 6:50 Revising Investment Portfolio 8:10 WEP and GPO Discussion 19:34 Small Cap Value Index Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listener questions relating to COLA, WEP, the Roth Conversion Pro Rata Rule, and Inherited Roth IRAs. (15:30) In part 1 of George's 3 email questions Chris goes into how to properly apply COLA to your Social Security calculations. (24:00) Chris talks about determining whether you are subject to […] The post COLA Calculations, WEP, Annuitizing, Roth Pro Rata Rule, and Inherited Roth IRAs: Q&A #2427 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

The complexity of Social Security calculations can cause some confusion around when someone eligible should file and claim their benefit. There are a lot of variables to consider and acronyms to decipher that can make Social Security feel like a confusing hedge maze. Let's cut through some of the noise and clarify some of the most pressing questions around Social Security benefits and what questions you need to consider to determine what's best for you and your family. Social Security has many layers, and the concept of eligibility can be pretty complex. It's not always clear when and how someone should begin taking their benefits because being eligible doesn't necessarily mean you should turn that benefit on. Social Security benefits can be turned on as early as age 62. Each year the benefit is delayed, you receive what is called a delayed retirement credit or DRC. These DRCs guarantee an automatic 8% increase in your Social Security benefit every year you delay up to age 70. There is also your full retirement age. This is the age when you are eligible to receive the full benefit without any offset for having earned income. Earned income being income from employment, which is different from income received from investments, pensions or annuities. For those born in 1960, or later, your FRA is age 67. Benefits are calculated by the Social Security Administration by taking 35 years of earnings that are indexed for inflation. Any years you didn't work are counted as a zero in your average earnings calculation. These annual amounts are then totaled and divided by four and 20 months to arrive at the monthly figure known as your average indexed monthly earning. This number is different from your benefit amount. The SSA then applies a formula to that number which determines your primary insurance amount or PIA and this is your monthly Social Security benefit. If you choose to take your benefit before your FRA while employed, there's an offset that can significantly reduce the benefit if your income exceeds $21,240 in 2023. This reduction is $1 for every $2 of earned income over the limit. In the year you reach your FRA, the limit increases to $56,520 in 2023, with a benefit reduction of $1 for every $3 of earned income over the limit. After you've reached your FRA there's no earning limits and you receive the full benefit with no income offsets. Provisional income comes into play after your benefits are activated. Your provisional income is calculated by taking your adjusted gross income plus half of your Social Security benefit. If that total is less than $25,000, your Social Security benefit is not subject to federal tax. If it is  above 25,000, but below 34,000, 50% of the benefit is taxed, and if it's above 34,000, 85% of the benefit is taxed. If you're a government employee, there's something called a Windfall Elimination Provision, or WEP. And there's also a Government Pension Offset, or GPO. There are three common conversations we have with clients when it comes to Social Security. The first thing is determining the breakeven point. One method for deciding when to take Social Security benefits involves calculating the breakeven point, this is the future point in time when the value of one option equals that of another. For example, if your FRA benefit is $2,000 a month, and $1,400 at age 62, there's a $600 a month difference. When compared to waiting the five years and taking the full amount, the breakeven point would be 11.6 years. Something else to keep in mind is that by taking a benefit early, you reduce the amount of spousal benefit made available since the benefit in and of itself has been reduced and this could be an important consideration. The second consideration relates to one's health and longevity. If you don't expect to live past that breakeven point, taking the benefit early might make more sense. From this perspective, it could be a win-win situation if they start receiving benefits early and they live longer than expected because the payments continue. We can't know our lifespan for certain, but if you're in poor health, taking benefits early might be a reasonable option. The third consideration involves a person's retirement income requirement. Many clients we work with see Social Security simply as a piece of the retirement income strategy, and aren't necessarily concerned with breakeven points as much as they are with maximizing their assets and the resources. Many clients opt to turn their Social Security benefits on instead of tapping into their assets in order to maintain growth. Using assets to generate income in retirement also comes with variables that are hard to predict, like the conditions of the stock market and economic policy. Social Security, in comparison, is stable and easy to predict. Figuring out your retirement income requires careful planning, which is why it's crucial to work with a professional that understands Social Security and its role in your retirement plan.     Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube  Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify BrianSkrobonja.com/Resources - Free Resources To Help You Protect Your Financial Future Common Sense: YOUR Guide to Making Smart Choices with YOUR Money by Brian Skrobonja SSA.gov   References for this episode: SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/delayret.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxes.html   Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered  individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. 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Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, WEP, Lifecycle funds, and retirement planning. (8:30) A listener looks for clarification on when WEP will be applied to his Social Security benefit. (25:30) A listener looks for thoughts on his Social Security claiming strategy. (35:30) The same listener as above asks […] The post Social Security, WEP, Lifecycle Funds, and Retirement Planning: Q&A #2421 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

In today's episode, researchers unveiled a new security vulnerability dubbed SSID Confusion attack exploiting a flaw in the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard, allowing malicious actors to manipulate victims into connecting to rogue networks to eavesdrop on their traffic. The breach forum known as BreachForums was seized by law enforcement agencies, marking the second takedown within a year. Also, the Kimsuky hacking group has launched a social engineering attack targeting activists in North Korea and anti-North Korea sectors by impersonating individuals on Facebook Messenger to distribute malware. The episode further delves into the sophisticated malware that infected the Linux kernel.org infrastructure for two years, compromising encrypted password data and providing insights into the propagation tactics employed by the malware. Original URLs: 1. https://thehackernews.com/2024/05/new-wi-fi-vulnerability-enabling.html 2. https://thehackernews.com/2024/05/fbi-seizes-breachforums-again-urges.html 3. https://thehackernews.com/2024/05/north-korean-hackers-exploit-facebook.html 4. https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/05/ssh-backdoor-has-infected-400000-linux-servers-over-15-years-and-keeps-on-spreading/ Search phrases: 1. Preventing SSID Confusion attack 2. Protecting network traffic from Wi-Fi spoofing 3. Law enforcement takedown of cybercrime forums 4. Fate of Baphomet and ShinyHunters 5. Kimsuky hacking group tactics 6. Social engineering attacks on Facebook Messenger 7. Malware targeting North Korean activists 8. Linux malware infection 9. Ebury malware impact on network security 10. Minimizing Ebury malware spread [00:00:00] A new security vulnerability known as the SSI D confusion attack manipulates devices, and to connecting to a different, less secure network than intended. Potentially exposing users, traffic. How can the SSI D confusion attack be prevented? And what steps should users take to protect their network traffic from being intercepted through wifi spoofing. Law enforcement agencies in collaboration with the FBI and international partners from Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK and Ukraine have taken down the cyber crime forum breach forums for the second time. The Kim Suki hacking group is leveraging fake Facebook accounts to launch social engineering attacks via messenger. Targeting activists in the north Korean human rights and anti north Korean sectors with malware delivered through decoy documents. The Linux operating systems, Colonel infrastructure was infected by malware revealing the theft of encrypted password data from over [00:01:00] 550 system users and allowing attackers to send spam from the servers. How can organizations minimize the spread and impact of the Ebery malware to prevent disruptions to the network security? You're listening to the daily decrypt. Imagine connecting to your trusted wifi network only to find out later that an attacker intercepted your traffic. Wifi is pretty important technology. Allows us to connect our devices to the internet wirelessly. We rely on different. Coffee shops, vendor locations to connect to the internet and maybe in some areas where we are. Sell services. And to reliable, we'll use local wifi. I often have to use target wifi because the target in my area is in a cellular dead zone. So it's pretty crucial for. Day-to-day lives. The SSI de confusion attack impacts all operating systems and wifi clients, including home and mesh networks using WEP w P a 3 8 [00:02:00] 0 2 11 X E a P and a M P E protocols. That's a lot of jargon for all the different security standards that come with wifi. The method involves downgrading victims to a less secure network by spoofing a trusted network name or SSI D so attackers can intercept to their traffic to carry out further attacks. Now the SSI D stands for service set identifier, essentially the name of a wifi network. It helps devices recognize and connect to the correct network. However, the wifi standard doesn't require the SSI D to always be authenticated, which is where the vulnerability comes in. Attackers can deceive a client into connecting to an untrusted wifi network instead of the intended one by staging an adversary in the middle or AIT M attack. For example. When the victim wants to connect to a network named trusted net. The attacker tricks it into connecting to a network called wrong net. With similar credentials. The victim's device shows it's [00:03:00] connected to trusted net while it's actually connected to wrong net. And AIT M attack the adversary in the middle. Is where an attacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters the communications between two parties who believe they are directly communicating with each other. This allows the attacker to eavesdrop on or manipulate the communication. A successful SSI, D confusion attack can also disable any VPN that automatically turns off on trusted networks. Exposing the victims, traffic. The prerequisite for pulling off this attack include the victim, wanting to connect to a trusted wifi network. The presence of a rogue network with the same authentication credentials and the attacker being within range to perform the AETM attack. To counter SSI D confusion proposed mitigations include updating the 8 0 2 11 wifi standard to incorporate the SSI D as part of the four way handshake when connecting to product protected networks. Improvements to beacon protection can also help beacons or management frames that a wireless access point [00:04:00] transmits to announce its presence and capabilities. Networks can avoid this attack by not reusing credentials across SSI, DS. And by using unique passwords. The main takeaways from this are to really just ensure that your wifi network has a unique SSI. D again, that's the network name? That is not commonly used by default configurations or routers. So basically just avoid using the generic names like home net gear, LyncSys bell connect, whatever. Your ISP might utilize. And then of course, go in and change those passwords and use something unique for your networks. Additionally always make sure that your devices are up to date. Regularly patch, any routers or wifi access points that you have within your systems, along with your personal devices, anything that is going to be connecting to wifi? Now your exposure for home network is probably a bit more limited, but. As you're out roaming and going to different areas. One of the things to keep in mind is maybe make sure that your phone has auto connect turned off for any wifi. That is outside of your [00:05:00] house or place of business. This way, it gives you an opportunity to actually look at the network and verify its authenticity. And of course, double check those SSI D names. That's a big one with a lot of these. I had actually came across my first Rogue wifi. Out in the wild. A couple months back, I was traveling, so I wasn't even in my home. State. And I went to a coffee shop that I was familiar with. And sat down to get some work done. Open on my laptop and starting looking at the wifi networks. And I noticed, of course, there's the coffee shop that I was at. And it was password protected. And then there was. Another access point for a store that was right next, next door. And it had the name in the SSI D spelled correctly. Then there was another access point. For the same store, however. The eye in the store, his name was replaced with an exclamation mark, mark. And it was the [00:06:00] strongest Wi-Fi. Access point available and it did not have a password. Safe to assume that was the rogue access point. Unfortunately, I couldn't get in touch with anybody at the store, but. Just It exists out there and you do need to be vigilant, pay attention to those wifi names. In addition to that, if you are connecting to wifi, If you have the capabilities you use a VPN, make sure that is set up and running. And then another step is if you're ever in a public location using wifi and a website that you're visiting pops up with that certificate error. That you're probably familiar with. Do not click through it. That is the biggest red flag. When you're in a public area using someone else's wifi, not immediately means that they could be intercepting your traffic. And other news law enforcement agencies, including the us FBI and [00:07:00] international partners have seized control of a breach forums platform for the second time in a year, replacing the website with a seizure banner and the collaborative effort involved authorities from Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, the us and Ukraine. Indicating a global response to cyber crime. Following the arrest of the previous administrator Connor, Brian Fitzpatrick. Bafflement took over. As the forums administrator with the FBI now controlling the associated telegram channel as well. The FBI is actively seeking information on cyber criminal activities related to breech forums, encouraging individuals to report any relevant details to assist in ongoing investigations. While it remains unclear whether Baffin Mont and shiny hunters, another administrator have been arrested the seizure banner with features their profile pictures with a depiction of them behind bars. Breech forum served as a marketplace for cybercriminals to engage in illicit activities, such as trading stolen data access devices. [00:08:00] Identification means hacking tools, breach database, and other illegal services. The history of breach forums includes its emergence in 2022. After the takedown of raid forums. Followed by a shutdown in 2023 and a subsequent resurgence under new management before the recent law enforcement intervention. The hacking group, LinkedIn North Korea has launched a new social engineering attack using fake Facebook accounts to target individuals via messenger and distribute malware. The attack involves creating a Facebook account, impersonating a public official in the north Korean human rights field to deceive activists in the north Korean human rights and anti north Korean sectors. Unlike traditional spear fishing through emails. This campaign uses Facebook messenger to trick targets and to opening. Seemingly private documents hosted on one drive disguised as Microsoft common console documents. The decoy [00:09:00] docs appear as essays or content related to trilateral summit between Japan, South Korea in the U S potentially indicating a focus on targeting specific individuals in Japan and South Korea. By using uncommon MSC files and disguising them as innocuous word files come Suki aims to evade detection and increase the chances of infecting victims. Once malicious documents are opened. Victims who launched the MSC file are and agree to open it. Using Microsoft management console are shown a console screen containing a word document that triggers the attack sequence. Establishing a connection with an adversary controlled server to exfiltrate information. The command and control server can harvest IP addresses, user agent strings, timestamp info, and deliver additional payloads aligning with prior Kim Suki activities, such as the distribution of recon shark malware. South Korean cybersecurity company, Jenny ans highlighted the rise of personalized [00:10:00] social media attacks, emphasizing the importance of early detection to mitigate the impact of such targeted threats. That may go undetected by traditional security monitoring. For those of you tech enthusiasts and cybersecurity professionals out there. I think one of the things that was brought up a lot in my early studies anyways, was how secure and reliable Linux is. And. Not a lot of malware was targeting Linux. And if you didn't already figure it out, that is. Far from the truth. And especially dating back to 2009 to 2011. There was a hidden bank door within the Linux operating system that went undetected for years. This story from ARS Technica discusses, some malware that was affecting over 400,000 Linux systems. Between 2009 and 2011, the central hub for [00:11:00] Linux development. colonel.org was infiltrated. The breach compromise, encrypted passwords of over 550 users, enabling attackers to control the servers and carry out malicious activity. Linux is an open source operating system that powers everything from servers to smartphones. It's critical for maintaining the backbone of the internet and many other digital services. The attackers targeted the Etsy shadow files. Which store encrypted passwords. By cracking these encrypted passwords, they accessed and controlled the servers, sending spam and conducting other nefarious activities. The NC shadow file store encrypted passwords for user accounts. If these are compromised, attackers can potentially decrypt the passwords and gain on authorized access to systems. The malware dubbed Ebery. Created a backdoor in open SSH, allowing remote access without valid passwords. This infection spread to 25,000 servers in less than two years. [00:12:00] Highlighting the malware's extensive reach and impact. Open SSH is a suite of secure networking utilities based on secure shell SSH protocol. It's used to secure remote connections. By compromising open SSH, the attackers could intercept credentials and spread the infection to other systems. The malware was sophisticated, installing root kits, like phalanx and backdoors, , which were hard to detect. These tools allowed the attackers to maintain control and avoid detection by traditional security measures. Rootkits are collections of software tools that enable unauthorized access to a computer or network often hiding their presence or the presence of other malware in general, refers to a malicious software designed to disrupt damage or gain unauthorized access to computer systems for two years, the attackers quietly harvested passwords and controlled key servers within the Linux development network. Despite the severity of this breach, the full extent wasn't known until much later. In 2014, Essent researchers [00:13:00] discovered that the Avery malware had a far reaching impact, infecting not only Linux, but also free BSD, open BSD Sonoma, west servers, and even one Mac. The malware's ability to spread and its continuous evolution over the years, underscore is potency. The Linux community renowned for its security and transparency faced a significant challenge. The infection of colonel.org demonstrated that even the most secure systems are not immune to sophisticated cyber threats. The Avery malware has proven to be a formidable adversary, exploiting weaknesses and systems that many believe to be secure as we move forward. It's crucial for both individuals and organizations to remain aware of the evolving landscape of cyber security threats and to implement robust security measures to protect their digital assets. [00:14:00]

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, WEP, GPO, 529 conversions, HSAs, and Roth conversions. (5:30) A listener from Ohio asks about a unique Social Security survivorship scenario relating to children under a different legal guardianship. (13:15) A Michigan listener looks for clarification on when his wife can begin claiming a spousal […] The post Social Security, 529/Roth Conversions, and HSAs: Q&A #2411 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

About Maya Colombani:Maya's Profilelinkedin.com/in/maya-colombani-0a118369Websites:https://www.loreal.com/en/nordics/pages/commitments/l-oreal-for-the-future/Email:info@laurainserra.comLaura Inserra MAYA'S BIO:Maya Colombani - L'Oréal Canada - Chief Sustainability & Human Rights OfficerMaya Colombani has been appointed Chief Sustainability and Human Rights Officer of L'Oréal Canada in April 2022. With an international career of over 20 years at L'Oréal, Maya is distinguished by a rich and comprehensive professional background. She began her career in France, working for leading design and advertising agencies such as Dragon Rouge, Publicis, and Euro RSCG. She then joined L'Oréal's Professional Products division in 2001. There, she held positions in operational marketing and DMI (Direction Marketing International), for Kérastase and L'Oréal Professionnel. She carried out assignments in India and in the Western Europe zone, before moving to Brazil in June 2010 where she worked in marketing functions. Since the end of 2016, she has been Director of Sustainable Development for Brazil.In this role, she profoundly transformed L'Oréal Brazil's approach to sustainable development and human rights. She has implemented actions that inspired the L'Oréal Group and positioned L'Oréal Brazil as a national benchmark. L'Oréal Brazil is indeed regularly cited as an example and is used to fuel new reflections, both on environmental issues and on human rights issues, as well as with respect to the relations with the indigenous people of Brazil. Her projects have been rewarded by the best rankings such as Guia Exame 2017/2018/2019; recognized as the best company in climate change as well as biodiversity management; and has received the WEP gold award 2021 on women empowerment supported by ONU Women and Compact Global. In 2022, thanks to her strong inclusive social programs for indigenous and communities, the GLOBO recognized L'Oréal Brazil as “The company that makes the difference in term of inclusion and diversity.”In Canada, Maya's mission is to increase the positive footprint internally and externally in terms of sustainable development and human rights, and to accelerate the actions carried out within the framework of “L'Oréal For the Future.” Among her first projects, she has already focused, with the Canadian teams, on achieving the company's full carbon neutrality on all its sites, as well as accelerating ambitious targets on water management and implementing cleantech partnership and eco-design business with committed brands.Thanks to impactful projects in Canada, earned her the prestigious “Canada's Clean 50” award that "recognized the most impactful 50 individual LEADERs that have demonstrated measurable leadership in fighting climate change and helping Canada transition to a low-carbon economy." Another important achievement for Maya is being named President of the “Positive Impact Club” of the French CCI in Canada, to have a positive impact on our society and reinforce the bond between France and Canada. Maya graduated from Reims Business School and completed an MBA semester of International Business Strategy in Victoria University, Australia. She now lives in Montreal, Québec, Canada with her family.  SHOW INTRO:Welcome to the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast.These dynamic dialogues based on our acronym DATA - design, architecture, technology, and the arts crosses over disciplines but maintains a common thread of people who are passionate about the world we live in and human's influence on it, the ways we craft the built environment to maximize human experience, increasing our understanding of human behavior and searching for the New Possible.    The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD Magazine part of the Smartwork Media family of brands.VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. The IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing the discourse forward on what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience. SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.orgIn this episode I talk with Maya Colombani Chief Sustainability and Human Rights Officer of L'Oréal Canada. Maya is one of the most passionate proponents of rethinking sustainable business practices and supporting human rights that I have ever met. Her energy is infectious and her passion is a positive push to do more in support of people and the planet. First though, a few thoughts…             *                         *                         *Certain themes keep on emerging in my discussions with my guests. Health, wellness, and sustainability frequently come into the conversation regardless of whether or not I'm speaking to a designer, a neuroscientist, an artist or obviously someone who's work life is focused on sustainable design Practice within their business.We are more aware today of the influence of the built environment on our mind body state, our very psychology and neurophysiological makeup. I have often referred to this as ontological design - The fact that the things we design and bring into the world design us back.The field of neuroaesthetics that have come up in previous conversations with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross in the ir book Your Brain on Art or with Tasha Golden in my discussion with her and the work she does at the Arts and Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins have pointed out that the psychological effects of bad or simply banal buildings is part of our potential mental health crisis.Advances in neuroscience driven by technologies is allowing us to see into the human brain and understand the interrelationships between its functional areas and it's and our connection to the environment in a way that we have not been able to do so before. And because of this new ability we are more able to determine, with a very high degree of confidence, what goes on in our inner world when we are immersed in our outer world. We've talked about color and its influence on our mind body state with Valerie Corcias and we've talked about music and how the arts having a deeply resonant place in our collective experience of our social groups and culture.Sustainability keeps on emerging as an obvious focus in the guests that I speak to whether it was with Bruce Mau and talking about his book MC24 or Martin Kingdon and his relationship to the store fixture manufacturing world in Europe and then there was Denise Naguib, of VP of Sustanability and Vendor Diversity at Marriott International, who I won't soon forget reminded me that the planet will be just fine without us and that we just have to decide whether or not we want to live here.When I go to conferences and I listen to the subjects that are often talked about by keynote presenters, panelists and just the everyday conversations that happen outside of the lecture room, sustainable design practice quickly surfaces and becomes a focal point.I think to most of us now, we are aware that we are facing an existential crisis that will shape the course of humanity in the near future. There are some that say we are already too late that reversing the effects of climate change maybe a losing battle. There are others that soldier on believing that it is the responsible thing for us to do and that changing our approach to living, manufacturing, building and other human endeavours needs to be reconsidered so that we change to protecting the planet from ourselves, not so much for the planet itself but for the fact that if we want to live here we need to be able to preserve Mother Nature and be good stewards of the gift that we have been given. When you consider the length of time that this little blue dot has been spinning around our sun, somewhere in the neighborhood of 4.5 billion years, and you consider the amount of time that humans have been occupying the earth, it should be setting off alarm bells that in just a couple of centuries we've begun to destroy the ecosystem that was here long before we arrived. And that frankly will be here a long time after we are gone. The challenge is that I don't think we're going to be able to get off this planet and get on an interplanetary transport to Mars and build colonies there before this earth go through some significant changes that will affect all of humankind.Is it too late? It may be but one thing is for sure, if we don't change our practices and think about regenerating nature along with driving capitalism forward we will most definitely end up in a climate disaster. And so, this is why it is so important that the practices and policies that are being pushed forward by people like my guest on this episode, Maya Colombani, are so critical to the course of humanity. One of the obvious things is that sustainable design practices are not just about saving the planet and providing a viable environment for humans but they also happen to be good for business. One of the opportunities here is to change our thinking about how we see innovation in the sustainable design space and make sure that we consider that it is something that brings value for business and societies.Retailers and manufacturers have a responsibility with the power they wield to address innovating our way into a sustainable future that addresses directly the effects of climate change.Part of this of course is going back to our roots - meaning engaging indigenous communities in understanding how to treat the planet better. A westernized mentality towards dominating the planet and its people have put us on a collision course with a disastrous future. If we could fully realized that indigenous communities can teach western societies a great deal about how to manage our resources we would ultimately be much better off.One school of thought is that we have created this problem and we can therefore therefore fix it, but my hunch is that we are not going to be able to continue to be so arrogant as to believe that we can do it on our own. Large corporations need to turn to the ancient wisdom of indigenous peoples and engage them in a collaborative process of sustainable and social responsibility which should be, in the end, at the center of all of the decisions that we make.L'Oreal Canada along with Maya Colombani wants to be a laboratory for good and they want to reinvent retail and corporate manufacturing policies that are good for society with the added benefit of it being also good for their business. That involves engaging the corporate structure including suppliers in the process of rethinking how they bring goods to market. Maya Colombani will say that it's not good enough just to fight climate change… what we have to do is regenerate nature and part of that is that sustainability is not about having good intentions it's about action and measurable outcomes.This of course requires a significant shift in mindsets which is very difficult, kind of like changing the direction of the aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean because in the end the future belongs not in the hands of major companies but in those of the citizens of the world who have, through their buying power, the ability to vote for companies who are doing the right thing and to do so with their wallets.Maya Colombani would say that in sustainable development there is never an individual victory but only great collective victories that push us to grow further every day. Having won a number of awards for her efforts she sees these recognitions as an invitation to work even harder and faster to face the unprecedented global humanitarian and climate crisis that we are currently embroiled in.Maya Colombani was appointed Chief Sustainability and Human Rights Officer of L'Oreal Canada in April 2022. In her more than 20 years with the company prior to her current role, she had carried out assignments in India and Western Europe and then moved to Brazil in 2010 where she worked in marketing functions.In 2006 she was the director of sustainable development for Brazil. While in this role of she transformed L'Oreal Brazil into a national benchmark for how to rethink both environmental and human rights issue as well as our respect for relations with indigenous peoples.She has received many distinguished awards being recognized for her passionate approach to people and the planet. In Canada, Maya's mission is to increase the positive footprint internally and externally in terms of sustainable development and human rights and to accelerate the actions carried out within the framework of “L'Oreal For The Future.”She has been focused on achieving the company's full carbon neutrality on all of its sites as well as accelerating ambition targets on water management and implementing clean tech partnerships and eco design businesses with committed brands.Thanks to the impactful projects in Canada she earned the prestigious Canada's “Clean 50” award that recognized the 50 most impactful individual leaders that have demonstrated measurable leadership in fighting climate change and helping Canada transition to a low carbon economy.When I met Maya Colombani at the Bensadoun School of Retail Management Retail Summit in the fall of 2023, I was immediately struck by her energy and passion for this subject. I think you'll discover in this episode that to say that Maya is passionate about people on the planet might be an understatement.ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites:  https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comTwitter: DavidKepronPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com.    The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

Is Nvidia more than a market darling, and has it entered the "tulip stage?" (We don't know when the tulip will die.) How to invest with the maddening crowd without going mad. Candid Coffee preview (registration link is below!) Couples, Money, & Communication: Make it fun (Amazon shots?) Pensions vs Social Security: the confounding Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) rules. Why you cannot (fully) take both SS and Pensions. What to do when you regret retiring; even transition to retirement is a regret. Why small business owners sabotage their transition. Failing to prioritize health in retirement; the new Score dating app. Why retirees have regrets; How to leave a legacy without heirs. The importance of physical excercise for mental health & wellness. The increasing role of grandparents in family dynamics. SEG-1: Is Nvidia in the Tulip Stage? SEG-2: Couples, Money, & Communication; Social Security, WEP, & GPO Rules SEG-3: What to Do When You Regret Retiring SEG-4: How to Remain Healthy, Happy...and Married in Retirement Hosted by RIA Advisors Director of Financial Planning, Richard Rosso, CFP, w Senior Financial Advisor, Jonathan Penn, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Register for our next Candid Coffee: "Five Money Habits of Unhappy Couples," Saturday, February 24, 2024: https://streamyard.com/watch/xRDYWQQqdFaF -------- Watch today's show video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H73b2Frkhs0&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=1s -------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Don't Fear All-Time Highs, Understand Them" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/dont-fear-all-time-highs-understand-them/ "Fed Chair Powell Just Said The Quiet Part Out Loud" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/fed-chair-powell-just-said-the-quiet-part-out-loud/ ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Bull Rally Remains Intact," is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH-n2TiaxgI&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- Our previous show is here: "Are the Magnificent Seven Stocks in a Bubble?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpXr_ftZR_U&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 -------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- Register for our next Candid Coffee: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6316958366519/WN_jCrzdX9uSJSrg5MBN5Oy8g ------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #InvestingAdvice #NvidiaEarnings #MagnificentSevenStocks #TulipStage #CouplesMoney #MoneyTalk #MoneyCommunication #RetirementPlanning #RetirementRegrets #TransitionPlanning #WindfallEliminationProvision #GovernmentPensionOffset #Markets #Money #Investing

Is Nvidia more than a market darling, and has it entered the "tulip stage?" (We don't know when the tulip will die.) How to invest with the maddening crowd without going mad. Candid Coffee preview (registration link is below!) Couples, Money, & Communication: Make it fun (Amazon shots?) Pensions vs Social Security: the confounding Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) rules. Why you cannot (fully) take both SS and Pensions. What to do when you regret retiring; even transition to retirement is a regret. Why small business owners sabotage their transition. Failing to prioritize health in retirement; the new Score dating app. Why retirees have regrets; How to leave a legacy without heirs. The importance of physical excercise for mental health & wellness. The increasing role of grandparents in family dynamics. SEG-1: Is Nvidia in the Tulip Stage?  SEG-2: Couples, Money, & Communication; Social Security, WEP, & GPO Rules SEG-3: What to Do When You Regret Retiring SEG-4: How to Remain Healthy, Happy...and Married in Retirement Hosted by RIA Advisors Director of Financial Planning, Richard Rosso, CFP, w Senior Financial Advisor, Jonathan Penn, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Register for our next Candid Coffee: "Five Money Habits of Unhappy Couples," Saturday, February 24, 2024: https://streamyard.com/watch/xRDYWQQqdFaF -------- Watch today's show video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H73b2Frkhs0&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=1s -------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Don't Fear All-Time Highs, Understand Them" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/dont-fear-all-time-highs-understand-them/ "Fed Chair Powell Just Said The Quiet Part Out Loud" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/fed-chair-powell-just-said-the-quiet-part-out-loud/ ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Bull Rally Remains Intact," is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH-n2TiaxgI&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- Our previous show is here: "Are the Magnificent Seven Stocks in a Bubble?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpXr_ftZR_U&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 -------- Get more info & commentary:  https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- Register for our next Candid Coffee: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6316958366519/WN_jCrzdX9uSJSrg5MBN5Oy8g ------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #InvestingAdvice #NvidiaEarnings #MagnificentSevenStocks #TulipStage  #CouplesMoney #MoneyTalk #MoneyCommunication #RetirementPlanning #RetirementRegrets #TransitionPlanning #WindfallEliminationProvision #GovernmentPensionOffset #Markets #Money #Investing

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listeners questions relating to Social Security, WEP, IRMAA, and retirement planning. (6:45) A listener looks for clarification regarding his parents Social Security survivor benefits and the impact of WEP. (22:00) A listener in New Mexico asks about the impacts of IRMAA in years with large gains resulting from […] The post Social Security, WEP, IRMAA, and Retirement Planning: Q&A #2351 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Marc and Greg are Joined by World Events Productions own Bob Koplar and Tiffany Ilardi to kick off the 2-part celebration of 10 years of Let's Voltron: The Official Voltron Podcast. Pay close attention to this podcast and to The Voltron Store on Facebook as there will be special posts the week preceding the release of Part 2 of this podcast on December 16. In those posts, you will have a chance to win a signed print from Marc and Greg. And you will also have a chance to get a Let's Voltron Podcast sticker on December 16th.To see this episode on our YouTube Channel, go HERE.As Always, Thanks for Watching and Listening! Let's Voltron!!

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listeners questions relating to Social Security, IRMAA, basis in IRAs, and SPIAs. (26:15) A listener looks for general clarification on their own Social Security benefit, potential survivor benefit and the effects of WEP. (34:15) George from Minnesota asks about the timing of IRMAA and when they might be […] The post Social Security, IRMAA, Basis In IRAs, and SPIAs: Q&A #2343 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.