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Pocket Change
October 2010           Volume 2 Issue 10
CHASE

In This Issue
Social Security Q&A
Deal of the Month: Netflix
Mary Talks Money
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The From Purses to Portfolios Conference
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Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, bag stuffing volunteers, conference volunteers, Citi angels, and DFLI staff- we couldn't have done it without each and every one of you!


Social Security Q & A with Ben Shamburger


Dear Ben: I can't fsocial securityind my Social Security card. How can I get a new one?

First, consider whether you really need a new card. You need to apply for a replacement Social Security card only if you don't know your Social Security number or if you need to show your card to a new employer. If you decide that you do need a card, you can replace it

for free in three easy steps.


Step 1: Complete an Application For a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).

Step 2: Show us documents proving your identity and U.S. citizenship, or immigration status.

Step 3: Take your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office or local Social Security Card Center. You'll receive your replacement card in about 10 to 15 days.


Dear Ben: How can I calculate my own retirement benefit estimate?

We suggest you use our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Our Retirement Estimator produces estimates based on your actual Social Security Earnings record, so it's a personalized, instant picture of your future estimated benefit. You can also use it to test different retirement scenarios based on what age you decide to start benefits. For example, you can find out your estimated monthly payments if you retire at age 62 or at age 70. You also can use our benefit calculators at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/calculators.htm and use the earnings shown on your annual Social Security Statement to calculate estimates.


Dear Ben: I am applying for Extra Help with prescription drug costs. Can state agencies help with my Medicare costs?

Beginning January 1, 2010, when you file your application for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, you also can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programs- State programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. When you apply for Extra Help, Social Security will send information to your state, unless you tell us not to, on the application. Your state will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program. Learn more about how Social Security can provide Extra Help with your Medicare Prescription drug costs by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.


Visit SocialSecurity.gov for the "Tips for People Who Receive Social Security" Webinar.



Deal of the Month
www.netflix.comnetflixhands
For less than the cost of one movie ticket you can get instant access to thousands of TV shows and movies with Netflix. Not only can you stream videos on your lap top, but also on your iPhone, iPad, XBox360, Wii, or Playstation 3. PLUS get unlimited DVDs by mail - exchange them as often as you want, when you want. Netflix is currently offering a one month free trial, so check it out now!



Mary Talks Money
Instead of Golf for Business, Try This!

Mary Caraccioli


golfballA few years back, I went to Pebble Beach to do a story on how the sport of golf is used in business. It turned out to be the perfect place to do the story.  The big Pro-Am tournament was taking place, and top executives from the biggest companies were there and willing to talk (it is one of the most gorgeous places on earth- how could they not be in a good mood?).


What the bosses told me is that golf is an excellent way to size up someone you may do business with. You can see how they handle adversity, find out if they cheat, and determine if they are someone you can be in the same room with for an extended period of time. (What a fun way to decide who you will do business with, right?) But what if you don't play? Does that mean you don't get the deal or the job?  It was not lost on me that there were very few women at the event. One female CEO was invited and finding her in the sea of men was like finding a needle in a haystack.


momchild

I was recently reminded of that day when talking to my friend Judy about the impact o f socialization (or the lack of it) on career building. Working moms don't have the time to fit in 18 holes (as much as the idea of hanging out at fabulous resorts working on my game appeals to me). It got me thinking what if we built a new litmus test for potential partners: A play-date! Get the foursome together, but instead of golf, we hit the playground or the library.


You learn a lot about a person watching them with kids. How do they handle a crisis (leaky diaper), inter-office squabbles (a fight over a toy), and constant interruptions to work flow (Mom, Dad - I need you!). The list goes on and on. You really find out what someone is made of when you see how they behave in front of their kids. You may discover the jerk has a heart or the smooth operator is actually a complete. I also think it would open our eyes to the variety of skills needed to create a successful outcome. I see it everyday with the moms and dads I encounter at the playground or school. We often share a common goal (creating a good life for our kids) and we each bring different insights and abilities in our pursuit of that goal and we often work together because we know we can not do it alone.


fatherson

I know the idea has tons of flaws, in that not everyone has kids, but consider it like a first draft and help me perfect it. BTW I don't see this as men versus women, but as an evolving work-life discussion. Working and raising kids can actually be a very isolating experience, where you don't fully belong to either world. Neither the 18-hole club or the stay-at-home tribe accept you. How can we improve that for everyone?


Visit www.maryandmoney.com for more articles and videos!


Meals for a $teal
Almost Lasagna
almost lasagna

Here's an inexpensive and delicious recipe that is sur
e to make your family members go YUM-O!


Hands-On Time: 20 minutes
Ready In: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

                   

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni (or other similarly shaped pasta-like small shells) cooked

1 pound ground turkey (or beef, chicken, sausage or tofu crumbles -- whatever works for you)

2 eggs

1 pound ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper

1 jar spaghetti sauce: 24 - 26 ounces

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cup or so veggies (e.g. diced zucchini, matchstick carrots)

Directions

1.Brown meat and drain well, if necessary.

2.While meat is cooking, stir together eggs, ricotta, grated Parmesan and salt and pepper.

3.Mix cooked meat, macaroni, sauce and veggies. Add ricotta mixture and blend well.

4.Coat a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray or olive oil and spread half of macaroni mixture evenly over the bottom. Top with a cup of mozzarella and a healthy sprinkle of grated Pamesan. Add the remaining macaroni mixture and top with another cup of mozzarella and another sprinkle of Parmesan. Cover with foil.

5.At this point the whole thing can go into the refrigerator to be cooked when you're ready.

6.Heat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake the casserole for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is lightly browned and bubbly.


For more recipes: http://family.go.com/food/recipe-786707-almost-lasagna-t/aspx


Send your recipes to tami@dfli.org and earn Purses' hours!





 

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Tami