28 Nov

Keep Holiday Spending In Check

Keep Holiday Spending In Check

Keep Holiday Spending In Check

ENGLISH |  EN ESPAÑOL

The holiday season is a time for joy and laughter, spending time with family and friends and sharing our blessings. It can also be a time of overspending. Navigator Credit Union has some ways you can make the season merry without putting a squeeze on your wallet.

Make a plan
If you haven’t made your list, now is the time to do it. Take the time to make a list of everyone you want to buy for, note two to three ideas for each person and set a price limit. Be sure to account for any secret Santa and holiday gift exchanges as well. Keep the list handy and check off the names as you purchase the gifts.

Stack rewards with discounts
Reward stacking is combining several shopping rewards programs to maximize the discounts, points and cash back you receive on a purchase. This could mean buying a gift using a credit card that allows you to earn cash back plus using a discount browser extension as well as a store coupon.

You may want to use the Navigator Platinum Rewards card for your seasonal purchases, and if you do you’ll earn one uChoose® Rewards point for every dollar spent. You can redeem the points for thousands of items – including cash back. There’s also no annual, balance transfer or cash advance fees. Learn more at navigatorcu.org/your-card.

Think outside the box
Right now, retail inventories are full of items that had been hard to find during the pandemic due to supply chain issues. Although furniture and home décor aren’t typical holiday gifts, the longer those types of sales are slow to rebound, the steeper the discounts may become as the year goes on.

Give gift cards
If you’re a chronic overspender or are worried about your usual gifts costing way more than you’re expecting, consider gift cards. Gift cards allow you to avoid high inflation on goods and services. A big plus - you’ll know exactly how much you spent at the end of the season.

Try conscious gifting
Instead of loading up multiple gifts per person, consider embracing conscious gift giving. The practice focuses on meaningful spending that fulfills a purpose in someone’s life, such as a unique secondhand item or a family portrait.

It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday shopping frenzy. With some planning, you can wrap up the year in a festive fashion and begin the new year in a strong financial position.

Spread more cheer with the help of Navigator!
Here are four ways Navigator can help you stress less this holiday season.

  • Transfer the balance from your high-interest credit cards to a Navigator Platinum Rewards card and enjoy 8.99% APR for the life of the balance transfer. Learn more at navigatorcu.org/balance-transfer.
  • Refinance your auto loan with Navigator and choose between 90 days no payment OR $150 cash back. Click here for complete details.
  • A holiday loan is a sensible financial solution to provide you with the extra cash you need, for whatever you need. Apply today!
  • Do you have a loan with us? You can skip a payment and use the funds towards your holiday expenses. Have more than one eligible loan? Skip a payment on each one! Learn more at https://navigatorcu.org/skip-a-pay/.

APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Membership and credit eligibility requirements apply. Cardholders pay 8.99% APR from the first billing cycle through the life of the transferred balance. APR for purchases is as low as 10.90% based on credit criteria. Offer available through March 31, 2023. See Visa agreement for uChoose Rewards® terms and conditions. uChoose Rewards® is a registered trademark of Fiserv Solutions, Inc. Visa® is a registered trademark of VISA Inc. Auto loan currently financed with Navigator Credit Union cannot be refinanced with this offer.  Interest begins accruing from the date the loan is funded. Borrower is allowed to make payments during the three-month loan payment deferment period if so desired. Funds for cash back option deposited into Navigator savings account. Auto loans of $10,000 or more. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice.

28 Nov

Staying Safe While Banking Online

Staying Safe While Banking Online

Staying Safe While Banking Online

Digital banking makes managing finances easy. You can pay bills, deposit checks and transfer money from wherever you’re located. But it’s also a prime target for hackers.

Navigator Credit Union works continuously to improve security and protect sensitive data but you also play a vital role in keeping your information safe. Here are some steps you can take to keep your information out of the hands of hackers.

Use Complex Passwords
Create passwords with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols for each account. Change them every three to six months to lower the odds of your password being stolen or decoded. Consider using a password manager to store and protect your passwords - and make using longer and more complicated passwords easier. Never share your username and passwords with others.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor, or multifactor, authentication can add a second layer of security verification when logging in to your online or mobile banking account. First, you enter your login name and password then you have to pass a second security test.

For example, you may need to enter a special code, verify your account through an automated phone call, use biometric verification or identify an image. This makes it difficult for a hacker or identity thief to unlock your account, even if they have your online or mobile banking password.

Check Your Settings
Check your privacy and security settings regularly. Monitor the devices that have been authenticated on your account. Any device that does not belong to you should be removed immediately.

For any device to be added, the primary device – used to register for Digital Banking – will receive a text message or phone call with a one-time password needed to authenticate the new device. You can also opt for a push authentication where you can choose yes or no for the new device to be added.

Set-up Alerts
Navigator can notify you when certain actions occur with your account. You can receive near-instant notifications of any potentially fraudulent or suspicious activity. You can set up alerts for the following:

  • Low or high balance
  • New debit transactions
  • Failed login attempts
  • Balance summary

Navigator Members can set up alerts by logging into Digital Banking, and choosing Alerts in the ellipses (…) menu on the top right hand of the dashboard.

If you receive a notification that there was an attempt to log in or add a fraudulent device, contact the Member Contact Center immediately.

Be Wary of Phishing Scams
The first defense against phishing scams is knowing that Navigator will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your Social Security number, online account password or other personal information.

Phishing scams can take different forms, but they’re often email or text scams. For example, you might get an email that looks like it came from your financial institution, telling you that you must log in to your account and update your information. You click the link and log in to what appears to be a legit site but is a dummy site. Or, clicking a link downloads tracking malware to your computer, allowing identity thieves to log your keystrokes. Either way, you’ve given up your login details without realizing it.

Always get to your financial institution’s website by typing a known URL into your browser’s address bar. Do not click links from a text or email to get there.

The Bottom Line
Digital banking offers convenience and control over your financial life. You can mitigate the risks by being proactive and protecting your online banking information. Doing so decreases the odds of your information ending up in the wrong hands.

28 Nov

Holiday Travel Tips

Holiday Travel Tips

Holiday Travel Tips

The holidays are a time to be with family, loved ones and friends. It is also one of the busiest times of the year to travel. If you’re hitting the road to your holiday destination, Navigator Credit Union has some advice to help make it a smooth trip.

Are you ready for a holiday road trip in a new ride? Make the most of every mile with an auto loan from Navigator with rates as low as 3.99% APR. Get pre-approved today. Learn more at navigatorcu.org/auto-loan.

 

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The Annual Percentage Rate is the advertised rate and can vary based on creditworthiness, age of vehicle and term of the loan. 3.99% available only for collateral 2014 or newer with less than 100k miles. Your rate can be higher depending on your credit performance. The payment amount would be $295.20 for $10,000 financed at 3.99% for 36-month term. Rates are subject to change without notice.

28 Nov

Making Sense of Your Roth 401k

Making Sense of Your Roth 401k

Making Sense of Your Roth 401K

Provided by Jeffrey C. Hamm
Vice President, Wealth Management

There are specific rules addressing distributions and rollovers of a Roth 401(k), which combines features of Roth IRAs and a traditional 401(k). We offer an overview of the key considerations.

The Roth 401(k) has become an attractive investment account, with investors attracted to their qualified tax-free withdrawals and contributions which receive after-tax treatment. But like other 401(k) plans, the Roth 401(k) carries with it numerous rules that impact their ultimate tax treatment. Understanding these rules is critical for optimizing your tax consequences.

Tax-Free? Really?
Distributions from your Roth 401(k) qualify for tax- and penalty-free treatment if the following are met:

  • The participant reaches the age of 59 1/2 or in the event of the participant’s death or disability AND
  • The participant has held the account for at least five tax years.

If the distribution does not meet these requirements, they are characterized as non-qualified and are subject to income taxes and possibly penalties.

Rollover Options
If you have been contributing to a Roth 401(k) while working at an employer and then leave that employer, you have a few options:

  • Maintain the 401(k) with your (now) previous employer
  • Rollover the 401(k) balance into another employer-sponsored retirement plan that allows for rollovers
  • Rollover the account into a Roth IRA
  • Cash out the account value

While all of the above options generally have no tax consequences, if you decide instead to cash out from your plan and the cash out does not meet qualified distribution requirements, you will incur a tax obligation on the distribution that represents earnings and possibly a 10% additional federal tax.

Minimum Distributions
The minimum distribution requirements for both Roth 401(k) and traditional 401(k) plans are similar and begin when participants reach age 72 (the age was increased from 70 1/2 on January 1, 2020. Account holders who turned 70 1/2 prior to that date are subject to the old rules). However, Roth IRAs do not require account holders to take distributions during their lifetime.

Other Considerations
Contributions made to a Roth 401(k) incur tax obligations when made, making them attractive when you anticipate that tax rates are likely to increase or you expect your income to rise significantly over time. If either of these scenarios fit your situation, by locking in present day tax rates, you may avoid future tax increases.

Additionally, if your income places you in a high tax bracket that prohibits you from contributing to a Roth IRA, a Roth 401(k) may be advantageous. In 2020, the phase out for Roth IRA eligibility begins at modified adjusted gross income of $124,000 for single taxpayers and $196,000 for married individuals filing jointly.

Jeff Hamm may be reached at 228-474-3427.

Learn more about NCU Wealth Management.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Navigator Credit Union and NCU Wealth Management are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using NCU Wealth Management and may also be employees of Navigator Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Navigator Credit Union or NCU Wealth Management. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency

Not Credit Union Guaranteed

Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations May Lose Value
28 Nov

Chicken Mole with Tortilla Strips

Chicken Mole with Tortilla Strips

Chicken Mole with Tortilla Strips

Cozy up this winter with this classic Mexican dish. Mole (pronounced MOH-lay) is a rich, dark reddish-brown sauce made from onions, garlic, chiles and a bit of Mexican chocolate and is usually served with poultry.

Servings: 8; Calories: 254 Per Serving; Protein: 27g Per Serving; Fiber: 3g Per Serving

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1 medium garlic clove, minced OR 1/2 teaspoon jarred minced garlic
1 4- to 4.5-ounce can diced green chiles, drained
1 to 3 chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce, plus 1 tablespoon sauce
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 10.5-ounce can fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 8-ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all visible fat discarded, cut into bit-size pieces
4 8-inch corn tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1/2 cup fat-free or low-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (green part only) (optional)

Directions
Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the green chiles, almonds, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cocoa powder and brown sugar. Stir in the broth and tomato sauce.

Using a hand blender or immersion blender, puree the mixture in the pot. (Alternatively, puree the mixture in a food processer or blender and return to the pot.) Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

Stir in the chicken. Simmer for 8 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.

Put the tortilla strips on a baking sheet. Broil the tortillas strips about 6 inches from the heat for 2 minutes. Stir. Broil for 1 minute. Stir. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the strips start to turn crisp and golden. Remove from the broiler. (Some strips will be partly soft.)

Reserve about one-fourth of the tortilla strips for garnish. Put the remaining tortilla strips and 3/4 cup mole in each bowl. Top with the sour cream, green onions and reserved tortilla strips.

Recipe provided by the American Heart Association.

26 Sep

Consejos para hacer compras inteligentes y tener una fiesta de Navidad alegre

Consejos para hacer compras inteligentes y tener una fiesta de Navidad alegre

Consejos para hacer compras inteligentes y tener una fiesta de Navidad alegre

ENGLISH | EN ESPAÑOL

Las interrupciones de la cadena de suministro impulsadas por la pandemia y las demoras en los envíos podrían hacer que el esparcimiento de la alegría navideña sea más desafiante este año. Pero esto no ha impedido que las personas vayan a las tiendas o compren en línea para encontrar los regalos perfectos para sus seres queridos.

Se espera que los consumidores gasten un 5% más este año, un promedio de $1,463 por hogar, según una encuesta de Deloitte. Navigator Credit Union tiene cinco formas en que usted puede conquistar la temporada de compras navideñas.

Compre temprano

Seguramente ha escuchado el dicho: Al que madruga, Dios lo ayuda. En este caso, el que madruga recibe los regalos más codiciados, como los mejores aparatos electrónicos y sistemas de juego. Estos artículos son casi imposibles de encontrar en esta temporada navideña, en parte debido a la escasez de microchips. Si encuentra un artículo de venta rápida que tiene en su lista de compras, tómelo inmediatamente. Si espera una mejor oferta, es posible que ya no pueda encontrarlo.

Sea flexible

Este año, tal vez no pueda encontrar todos los artículos que tiene en su lista de regalos. Si tiene un plan B y puede ser un poco flexible, podrá agarrar las mejores compras cuando las vea. Mientras menos flexible sea con respecto a marcas específicas y productos populares, más tendrá que pagar.

Considere regalar tarjetas de regalo y vales canjeables

Las tarjetas de regalo y los vales canjeables son los regalos navideños más solicitados desde hace más de 15 años. La facilidad y conveniencia de comprar una tarjeta o un vale también los ha hecho populares entre los donantes de regalos. Muchos minoristas ofrecen tarjetas de regalo en línea que se envían al destinatario en cuestión de minutos. No tendrá que preocuparse por regalos que no llegan a la hora ni por artículos agotados. Esté atento a restaurantes y minoristas que ofrecen tarjetas de bonificación cuando compra una tarjeta de regalo. Por ejemplo, un restaurante puede ofrecer una tarjeta de bonificación de $10 si compra una tarjeta de regalo de $50. La tarjeta de bonificación generalmente tendrá un período de canje específico, pero son un punto extra excelente si ya está comprando tarjetas de regalo para entregar como obsequios.

Utilice su tarjeta de recompensas

Cuando use una tarjeta de crédito para hacer compras, asegúrese de usar una tarjeta que también le brinde beneficios a usted. Busque tarjetas de crédito que ofrezcan reembolsos en efectivo y puntos especiales durante la temporada de fiestas, de modo que usted sea recompensado cuando gasta. Si tiene más de una tarjeta de crédito, use la que tenga la tasa de interés anual más baja para evitar seguir pagando las compras de esta Navidad en los próximos años.

Por un tiempo limitado, los nuevos titulares de tarjetas Navigator Platinum Rewards pueden aprovechar una APR introductoria de 4.99% en todas las compras durante seis meses. Además, no tiene que pagar una tarifa anual ni de transferencia de saldo ni de adelanto de efectivo. Los titulares de tarjeta también ganan recompensas uChoose® ilimitadas. Puede canjear los puntos por miles de opciones, incluido el reembolso en efectivo. Para obtener más información sobre esta oferta por tiempo limitado, visite navigatorcu.org/your-card.

Aproveche los envíos gratis

Una de las mejores formas de ahorrar cuando compre en línea es asegurarse de no pagar por el envío. Muchos sitios web ofrecen envíos gratis si gasta una cantidad mínima. Algunos minoristas ofrecen envío gratis sin exigir una compra mínima o envío gratis a su tienda local. Luego puede recoger su regalo en el servicio de atención al cliente o solicitar una entrega en la acera.

Las fiestas de fin de año deben ser un momento para relajarse y disfrutar del tiempo con la familia y los amigos; no se estrese usted mismo posponiendo las compras para última hora. Respire hondo, planifique un poco y compre de manera inteligente esta temporada. ¡Felices fiestas de fin de año de todos nosotros en Navigator!

¡Derroche más alegría con la ayuda de Navigator!

La Navidad es una época maravillosa del año, con regalos y buena comida, familiares y amigos. ¡Pero también puede ser una época del año de muchos gastos!

Estas son tres formas en las que Navigator puede ayudarle a reducir el estrés en esta temporada navideña.

  • Refinancie su préstamo automotriz con Navigator y elija entre 90 días sin pago de cuotas O $150 de reembolso en efectivo. Haga clic aquí here para ver todos los detalles.
  • Un préstamo navideño es una solución financiera sensata que le otorga el dinero extra que necesita, para lo que necesite. ¡Solicite su préstamo hoy mismo!
  • ¿Tiene un préstamo con nosotros? Puede saltarse un pago y utilizar los fondos para sus gastos navideños. ¿Tiene más de un préstamo elegible? ¡Puede saltarse un pago en cada uno de ellos! Obtenga más información en https://navigatorcu.org/skip-a-pay/.

APR=Tasa de interés anual. Membresía y crédito basados en requisitos de elegibilidad. Los nuevos titulares de tarjeta pagan una APR introductoria del 4.99% durante los primeros 6 ciclos de facturación a partir de la apertura de la cuenta. Después de ese tiempo, la APR será del 10.90% y del 12.90% en función de la solvencia. Oferta sujeta a cambios sin aviso previo. Vea el acuerdo de Visa para revisar los términos y condiciones de uChoose Rewards® . uChoose Rewards® es una marca registrada de Fiserv Solutions, Inc. Visa® es una marca registrada de VISA Inc.

26 Sep

Smart Shopping Tips for Cheerful Holidays

Smart Shopping Tips for Cheerful Holidays

Smart Shopping Tips for Cheerful Holidays

ENGLISH | EN ESPAÑOL

Supply chain disruptions fueled by the pandemic and shipping delays could make spreading holiday cheer more challenging this year. But it’s not stopping people from hitting stores and shopping online to find the perfect gifts for loved ones.

Consumers are expected to spend 5% more this year –an average of $1,463 per household, according to a survey by Deloitte. Navigator Credit Union has five ways you can conquer the holiday shopping season.

Shop Early

You’ve heard of the saying: the early bird gets the worm. In this case, the early bird gets the most coveted gifts like top electronics and gaming systems. These items are next to impossible to find this holiday season, in part due to the chip shortage. When you find a hot item on your shopping list, scoop it up. If you wait for a better deal, you may not be able to find it at all.

Be Flexible

This year, you may not be able to find every item on your gift list. If you have a backup plan and can be a little flexible, you'll be able to snag the better buys when you see them. The less flexible you are regarding specific brands and popular products, the more you may have to pay.

Consider Gift Cards and Vouchers

Gift cards and vouchers are the most requested holiday gifts for more than 15 years. The ease and convenience of buying one have made them popular among gift givers as well. Many retailers offer online gift cards that are sent to the recipient in a matter of minutes. You'll have no worries about late gifts or out-of-stock items. Be on the lookout for restaurants and retailers that offer Bonus Cards when you buy a gift card. For example, a restaurant may offer a Bonus Card for $10 if you buy a $50 gift card. The Bonus Card will usually have a specific redemption window, but they are a nice extra if you are already buying gift cards to give as gifts.

Use Your Rewards Card

When you’re using a credit card to make purchases, be sure you use a card that provides benefits to you as well. Look for credit cards that offer cashback and holiday special points so you’ll get rewarded while you’re spending. And if you have more than one credit card, use the one with the lowest annual interest rate to avoid paying for this Christmas for years to come.

For a limited time, new Navigator Platinum Rewards cardholders can take advantage of a low 4.99% introductory APR on purchases for six months. There’s also no annual fee, no balance transfer fee and no cash advance fees. Cardholders also earn unlimited uChoose® rewards. You can redeem the points for thousands of options – including cashback. Learn more about this limited-time offer by visiting navigatorcu.org/your-card.

Score Free Shipping

One of the best ways to save when ordering online is to make sure you do not pay for shipping. Many websites offer free shipping if you spend a minimum amount. Some retailers offer free shipping with no minimum purchase or free shipping to their local store. You can then pick your gift up at customer service or request curb-side delivery.

The holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends – don’t let yourself get stressed out by last-minute shopping expeditions. Take a deep breath, do some planning and shop smart this season. Happy holidays from all of us at Navigator!

Spread More Cheer with help from Navigator!

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, with gifts and good food, family and friends. It can also be an expensive time of year!

Here are three ways Navigator can help you stress less this holiday season.

  • Refinance your auto loan with Navigator and choose between 90 days no payment OR $150 cash back. Click here for complete details.
  • A holiday loan is a sensible financial solution to provide you with the extra cash you need, for whatever you need. Apply today!
  • Do you have a loan with us? You can skip a payment and use the funds towards your holiday expenses. Have more than one eligible loan? Skip a payment on each one! Learn more at https://navigatorcu.org/skip-a-pay/.

APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Membership and credit eligibility requirements apply. New cardholders pay a 4.99% introductory APR for the first 6 billing cycles from account opening. After that, the APR will be 10.90% or 12.90% based on creditworthiness. Offer subject to change without notice. See Visa agreement for uChoose Rewards® terms and conditions. uChoose Rewards® is a registered trademark of Fiserv Solutions, Inc. Visa® is a registered trademark of VISA Inc.

26 Sep

Hang up on Spoofing Scams!

Hang up on Spoofing Scams!

Hang up on Spoofing Scams!

Protecting your privacy is a promise we take very seriously at Navigator, and the security and confidentiality of your personal information are important to us. That’s why we want to make you aware of the latest scam affecting our Members in Mississippi and Alabama.

It’s called a caller ID spoofing scam, and some Members have already been fooled into thinking they are speaking with their Credit Union when they’re giving their passwords, PINs and other sensitive account information to scammers. This has resulted in thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges and withdrawals from their accounts, and we want to help protect other Members from becoming victims.

Spoofing is when someone deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Scammers often spoof a number from a company you already know and trust like your financial institution to gain your personal information.

In these cases, the caller ID displayed Navigator Credit Union, but it was NOT Navigator making the call. We will never call, text or e-mail you and ask for your debit card PIN or online banking password to verify or authenticate your identity. In fact, there is no legitimate reason any financial institution would ever need your debit card PIN or online banking password. For a scammer, on the other hand, it's just what they need to make your money their money.

Here are some ways you can avoid becoming a victim of account fraud:

  • Never give out your PINs or passwords! Navigator will never ask for that information. If our Fraud Department contacts you to verify whether a transaction was made by you, all we need is a yes or no answer. Anyone asking for more is unlikely to be from the Credit Union.

  • Your safest bet, if you're ever contacted and asked to provide sensitive account or personal information, are to hang up and call us directly to verify, unless you initiated the contact. If the caller ID says it is from Navigator, you can let it go to voicemail then return the call by directly dialing Navigator’s toll-free number (800-344-3281).

  • If you do pick up and at any point feel uncomfortable, hang up and dial Navigator directly.

  • Program our Fraud Department’s number (877-253-8964) into your saved contacts so you’ll know it’s a legitimate number calling you.

    • Our Fraud Department will only ask you to confirm or deny transactions. We will not ask for personal information.

If you do receive a suspicious call, text or e-mail, or notice banking activity you don't recognize, please contact us right away. Navigator Team Members are here to take immediate action to help protect you and your accounts from further exposure.

26 Sep

Cozy Beef Stew

Cozy Beef Stew

Cozy Beef Stew

This beef stew uses baby red potatoes and baby carrots, eliminating some of the peeling and chopping usually needed when using traditional baking potatoes and large carrots.

Servings: 12; Calories: 326 Per Serving; Protein: 35g Per Serving; Fiber: 8g Per Serving

Ingredients

4 pounds boneless sirloin steak, all visible fat discarded, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups baby red potatoes, halved
4 cups baby carrots
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cups chopped celery
1 15-ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce
10 ounces dried lima beans, sorted for stones and shriveled beans, rinsed, and drained
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon quick-cooking tapioca
2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1 cup water

Directions

Directions for Freezing

In a large bowl, stir together all the ingredients except the water. Transfer the mixture equally between two 1-gallon re-sealable plastic freezer bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer.

Directions for Cooking

If frozen, thaw the bags in the refrigerator overnight. Pour the contents into a slow cooker. Stir in the water. Cook, covered, on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association.

26 Sep

SSA Announces Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

SSA Announces Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

SSA Announces Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

5.9% is the biggest COLA increase in decades.

Provided by Jeffrey C. Hamm

The Social Security Administration (SSA) says Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This adjustment will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022. Additionally, increased payments to more than 8 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2021.1

Biggest COLA Increase in Decades?

While many predicted a bump of as much as 6.1% given recent movement in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the announced 5.9% increase is still substantial. Some fear that rising consumer prices may dilute the impact of the increase with inflation currently running at more than 5 percent. While this remains to be seen, Social Security beneficiaries will no doubt welcome the largest adjustment in many years.1

How You Will Be Notified.

According to the Social Security Administration, Social Security and SSI beneficiaries are usually notified about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. However, if you’ve set up your SSA online account, you will also be able to view your COLA notice online through your “My Social Security” account.1

Next Steps?

If this increase surprises or concerns you, it's always a good idea to seek guidance from your financial professional about changes to any of your sources of retirement income. I welcome a chance to talk with you about this.

Jeff Hamm may be reached at 228-474-3427.

Learn more about NCU Wealth Management.

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution.

Citations

  1. SSA.gov, October 13, 2021