There are so many unanswered questions in the news these days, it’s been difficult to wade through the variety of resources and come to a final answer. Most important, to many seniors, will be the stimulus package now making its way through the hallways in Washington.
It’s unclear to me, so far, whether seniors who are at the lower end of the income table will receive a check, as we did last year. I remember how difficult it was to explain how to apply for that check and probably many who qualified never made an application. If anyone hears a definitive answer to this question for 2009, please let me know. While I have heard about a federal income tax credit, I have not heard about assistance for those whose income is so low they no longer pay federal income tax.
One thing that will affect many seniors, as well as others, is the cost of postage. I didn’t realize until I really studied the article from the U. S. Postal Service that postage rates go up every May and the increase is announced in February. This year, the postal service s raising the price of a first class stamp to 44 cents, effective May 11.
If you can afford it and use a lot of stamps, buy the Forever Stamps. They will continue to be sold for the current 42-cent rate until the increase takes effect. The Forever Stamps will remain valid in the future, regardless of rate hikes.
The cost of postcard stamps will go up to 27 cents and there are other increases. Check with your local post office for package prices as well as large envelopes. The first ounce of a large envelope is going to increase to 88 cents.
With the rise in postage cost, more seniors may take advantage of using e-mail for their regular correspondence. Libraries and other public facilities have computers available for the public to use and many times, personnel on hand who can assist those unfamiliar with how to get online. By the way, if you think seniors are computer illiterate – think again. Since 2005, the percentage of folks 70 and over who are now online, has increased from 25 percent to 45 percent.
Another topic that’s been making headlines recently is peanut butter. What’s safe to eat? Again, among all the articles, scandalous news broadcasts and reports, we’ve not heard much about specifics. Finally, I found an article where the FDA reported that store brands sold in grocery stores are OK to use. Common sense tells us that no major retailer wants to take a chance on losing business and would have pulled any items suspected of being tainted.
Maybe we will receive a stimulus check – that remains to be seen. I think I’ll take mine and invest in some of those Forever Stamps at the post office – that is, if they don’t stop printing them.
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