Lee County, Florida, where I am spending the holidays, has an overall unemployment rate of 13.9%. The area experienced an incredible housing bubble due to the subtropical climate, excellent health care facilities, abundant recreation opportunities and lack of state income tax, all of which are extremely desirable to baby boomers. Alas, the value of residential real estate has declined by two thirds since the peak in 2005. The thousands of jobs supported by real estate transactions and new construction have been drastically reduced.
A good percentage of the over fifty population in Lee County is made up of retired people which complicates the unemployment statistics. My intuition tells me the rate is high. Unless you have training and experience in the health care field, your prospects for getting a good job are pretty slim. The school district website does not encourage applications, not even for substitute teaching positions.
In a previous blog I referred to the Encore.org website. They now have an excellent, free, 28 page resource guide with valuable tips for exploring careers in the nonprofit sector, government, teaching , etc. I recommend that you download a copy.
Help others get started on their encore careers.
http://www.encore.org/find/guide
During the upcoming week I will reconnect with my college days by attending the Outback Bowl. Go Northwestern!!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
My First Follower
After blogging for three months I have my first follower. This is thrilling news because I had no idea if anyone was reading my material. It turns out that my follower and I have very similar interests. While I hope to engage retired educators in meaningful encore careers, he is all about assisting educators in making wise financial decisions. His blog is excellent and I am including the link here.
http://www.theeducatorsretirement.com/
Please take some time to learn about your retirement options.
http://www.theeducatorsretirement.com/
Please take some time to learn about your retirement options.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tax Recovery Clarification
This is from the website of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia:
"Georgia Department of Revenue Tax Recovery Adjustment"
"Recently, an email containing misleading information about member contributions and possible tax credits has been circulating around the State.
Back in January of 1990, the Georgia Department of Revenue created a “tax recovery adjustment” for TRS member contributions made from July 1, 1987 through January 1, 1990. During that period, member contributions were sheltered from federal income tax, but not Georgia state income tax. Thus, a member’s contributions and pension were taxed by the State of Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Revenue allowed TRS members, who contributed to TRS from July 1, 1987 through January 1, 1990, to “recover” the taxes paid on those contributions when they filed for their state taxes. At retirement all retirees receive this important information at the time they receive their first benefit check.
TRS members eligible for this recovery adjustment will receive, along with their first benefit check, a letter that provides the total dollar amount of TRS contributions made during this time frame so members can document the adjustment on their state tax returns. For example, a retiree who retired on July 1, 1998 received this important tax information with his/her first retirement check. In early 1999, when the retiree filed his or her state taxes for 1998, the adjustment would have been included.
To be clear, the amount shown in the letter you received is not the amount you are owed by the Georgia Department of Revenue, but is the amount of money from which you can recover the taxes you paid on it. This money has nothing to do with incorrect contribution amounts. The contributions you made to TRS during this time were and are correct.
If you fall into this adjustment period and are unsure as to whether or not you filed for this adjustment, we recommend that you go back and check your tax returns for the applicable year to avoid claiming the recovery more than once. If you already received your adjustment, then you are all set. If you did not claim the adjustment, please contact the Georgia Department of Revenue directly at https://etax.dor.ga.gov/ or 877-602-8477 to find out if you are still eligible. "
Something to ponder: what is the purpose of the Georgia Retired Educators Association? Disseminating information like that above should be a routine activity for them. My only experience with the group is that they tried to sell us long term care insurance!
"Georgia Department of Revenue Tax Recovery Adjustment"
"Recently, an email containing misleading information about member contributions and possible tax credits has been circulating around the State.
Back in January of 1990, the Georgia Department of Revenue created a “tax recovery adjustment” for TRS member contributions made from July 1, 1987 through January 1, 1990. During that period, member contributions were sheltered from federal income tax, but not Georgia state income tax. Thus, a member’s contributions and pension were taxed by the State of Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Revenue allowed TRS members, who contributed to TRS from July 1, 1987 through January 1, 1990, to “recover” the taxes paid on those contributions when they filed for their state taxes. At retirement all retirees receive this important information at the time they receive their first benefit check.
TRS members eligible for this recovery adjustment will receive, along with their first benefit check, a letter that provides the total dollar amount of TRS contributions made during this time frame so members can document the adjustment on their state tax returns. For example, a retiree who retired on July 1, 1998 received this important tax information with his/her first retirement check. In early 1999, when the retiree filed his or her state taxes for 1998, the adjustment would have been included.
To be clear, the amount shown in the letter you received is not the amount you are owed by the Georgia Department of Revenue, but is the amount of money from which you can recover the taxes you paid on it. This money has nothing to do with incorrect contribution amounts. The contributions you made to TRS during this time were and are correct.
If you fall into this adjustment period and are unsure as to whether or not you filed for this adjustment, we recommend that you go back and check your tax returns for the applicable year to avoid claiming the recovery more than once. If you already received your adjustment, then you are all set. If you did not claim the adjustment, please contact the Georgia Department of Revenue directly at https://etax.dor.ga.gov/ or 877-602-8477 to find out if you are still eligible. "
Something to ponder: what is the purpose of the Georgia Retired Educators Association? Disseminating information like that above should be a routine activity for them. My only experience with the group is that they tried to sell us long term care insurance!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Value of Professional Conferences
During the past two weeks I participated in one national conference and one state conference of special education administrators. This was my 22nd and final appearance at the state conference, held, as is tradition, in Savannah, Georgia. The national conference was held in beautiful San Diego, California.
The importance of these annual gatherings should not be underestimated. The meetings and information sessions provide insight into the operation of a wide variety of school systems. At national conferences I am always alarmed to hear about the stranglehold teachers' unions exert in many states. I am also always pleasantly surprised at the level of innovation and effectiveness that characterizes Georgia's special education programs. I am proud to have been a part of the development of our learning organizations.
The recurring response from my many professional colleagues when I announced that this would be my last conference was, "You'll be back." Friendships are forged, food is shared, and fun is had at these conferences. The planned and unplanned social activities provide glimpses into people's "real" lives that we may not see otherwise. Indeed, having drinks with folks from the state education agencies, colleges and universities, and school systems helps strengthen our network!
I will miss the camaraderie. But it is increasingly difficult for me to listen to the same issues and the same complaints about problems created by our overly restrictive federal special education law. We have become a dysfunctional kingdom within the realm. I say let the younger generation take it on!
The recurring response from my many professional colleagues when I announced that this would be my last conference was, "You'll be back." Friendships are forged, food is shared, and fun is had at these conferences. The planned and unplanned social activities provide glimpses into people's "real" lives that we may not see otherwise. Indeed, having drinks with folks from the state education agencies, colleges and universities, and school systems helps strengthen our network!
I will miss the camaraderie. But it is increasingly difficult for me to listen to the same issues and the same complaints about problems created by our overly restrictive federal special education law. We have become a dysfunctional kingdom within the realm. I say let the younger generation take it on!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Google is a Great Investment
The retirement benefits for eligible teachers are guaranteed by state law in Georgia. There are occasional concerns about the solvency of the retirement system, usually raised by panicky teachers during economic downturns. In fact, the funds are invested in what could be called a dream portfolio. The top twenty include oil companies, pharmaceutical companies, high tech giants such as Intel, Apple and Microsoft, McDonald's, Coca Cola and Google.
If you have any doubts that Google has made a significant impact on the way we process information, just read Jeff Jarvis's excellent book, What Would Google Do? He reverse engineers Google and applies their principles to a variety of industries. This book is a "must read."
Google gets better every time it is used and it is used millions of times per hour around the world.
Google could charge a fee for each hit. But it doesn't. And the world is better for that decision. A sound investment indeed.
If you have any doubts that Google has made a significant impact on the way we process information, just read Jeff Jarvis's excellent book, What Would Google Do? He reverse engineers Google and applies their principles to a variety of industries. This book is a "must read."
Google gets better every time it is used and it is used millions of times per hour around the world.
Google could charge a fee for each hit. But it doesn't. And the world is better for that decision. A sound investment indeed.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
What About the Peace Corps?
Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed about joining the Peace Corps. Over the years the reasons varied - running away, learning a foreign language, yearning for adventure, seeking nobility - and now I am considering volunteering as part of my encore career. The Peace Corps website provides a wealth of information. http://www.peacecorps.gov/
I took their quick survey to see if I could be considered a candidate. Based on my college education, experience with volunteering and in education, the survey results placed me in the category of potential Peace Corps volunteer. My candidacy may be deferred because I have high blood pressure (controlled by medication). They would have to monitor my condition for three months and then determine whether or not I could volunteer.
Amazingly, the Peace Corps provides health and dental insurance for volunteers during their service and for up to 18 months afterward. Other tangible benefits are extensive training and a small living allowance. The intangible benefits include immersion in another culture and language, the opportunity to meet new people and the satisfaction of helping in areas sorely in need of help.
One major deterrent for me is that volunteers are asked for a 27 month commitment. Hmmm. I am not ruling out a stint in the Peace Corps but I am not ready for it yet!
I encourage you to explore the Peace Corps website and learn about the variety of opportunities in the program. I especially enjoyed the lists of high achieving people who got their career starts in the Peace Corps. Live information sessions are held frequently throughout the country.
I took their quick survey to see if I could be considered a candidate. Based on my college education, experience with volunteering and in education, the survey results placed me in the category of potential Peace Corps volunteer. My candidacy may be deferred because I have high blood pressure (controlled by medication). They would have to monitor my condition for three months and then determine whether or not I could volunteer.
Amazingly, the Peace Corps provides health and dental insurance for volunteers during their service and for up to 18 months afterward. Other tangible benefits are extensive training and a small living allowance. The intangible benefits include immersion in another culture and language, the opportunity to meet new people and the satisfaction of helping in areas sorely in need of help.
One major deterrent for me is that volunteers are asked for a 27 month commitment. Hmmm. I am not ruling out a stint in the Peace Corps but I am not ready for it yet!
I encourage you to explore the Peace Corps website and learn about the variety of opportunities in the program. I especially enjoyed the lists of high achieving people who got their career starts in the Peace Corps. Live information sessions are held frequently throughout the country.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Continuing to Learn About Encore Career Opportunities
One of the advantages of being an extreme commuter is the opportunity to hear the excellent stories on National Public Radio. This week I was intrigued to hear about "Encore Fellowships." After a short amount of research time, this is what I found out.
The "Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act" was signed into law on April 21, 2009, and went into effect on October 1, 2009. It is the reauthorization and expansion of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) administers the programs authorized by this legislation. One of the new provisions of the law is that it: "Authorizes a new Encore Fellowship program to allow Corporation-selected individuals aged 55 or older to serve at organizations on a Corporation-maintained list, supported by $11K grants (under a $1 for $1 match) to the organization for Fellow living expenses. 75% non-Federal match required for the first year, 50% non-Federal match required in subsequent years."
Evidently this program is modeled on succesful pilot programs described in the NPR story.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113856732 Further information will be provided by the CNCS as the details are finalized. I am looking forward to the development of this program.
Also of interest are the changes to some provisions of the Senior Corps program, a part of the Serve America Act. The miniumum age for participation in the Foster Grandparents Program and Senior Companion Program was lowered from 60 to 55. Another change is to the specific purpose of the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). It is to provide opportunities for older volunteers to share their knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills for the betterment of their communities and themselves. Their website is worth touring: http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/rsvp.asp if only for awareness of another federal program few people seem to know about!
The "Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act" was signed into law on April 21, 2009, and went into effect on October 1, 2009. It is the reauthorization and expansion of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) administers the programs authorized by this legislation. One of the new provisions of the law is that it: "Authorizes a new Encore Fellowship program to allow Corporation-selected individuals aged 55 or older to serve at organizations on a Corporation-maintained list, supported by $11K grants (under a $1 for $1 match) to the organization for Fellow living expenses. 75% non-Federal match required for the first year, 50% non-Federal match required in subsequent years."
Evidently this program is modeled on succesful pilot programs described in the NPR story.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113856732 Further information will be provided by the CNCS as the details are finalized. I am looking forward to the development of this program.
Also of interest are the changes to some provisions of the Senior Corps program, a part of the Serve America Act. The miniumum age for participation in the Foster Grandparents Program and Senior Companion Program was lowered from 60 to 55. Another change is to the specific purpose of the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). It is to provide opportunities for older volunteers to share their knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills for the betterment of their communities and themselves. Their website is worth touring: http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/rsvp.asp if only for awareness of another federal program few people seem to know about!
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