November 2010

Eine Kleine Estate Planning

November 30, 2010

Update: Bear in mind that much of what follows applies specifically in the state of Arizona. Each state has its own laws and regulations about the way property is held by more than one person, wills, and how heirs and appointed representatives can access, manage, and dispose of a deceased person’s property. You should check [...]

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Social Security Outcome: Positive!

November 29, 2010

Well! So I march up to the North Phoenix Social Security office just as they’re opening the doors. The place is mobbed—turns out every holiday creates a backlog the following Monday morning. Wait about half an hour for my number to be called. Present the mystifying letter to the highly professional youngish woman behind the [...]

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Jousting with the Bureaucrats…Again!

November 29, 2010

In an hour and a half, it’s off to the Social Security office to do battle with the bureaucracy again. I’m going to try to be there when the door opens. Apparently they’re cutting my benefit by something over $235 a month. The reason? I earned more than they thought so they’re raising my benefit. [...]

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A Handmade Christmas Present: Bath Powder

November 28, 2010

Have you noticed how difficult it’s getting to buy scented bath powder? Drugstores have about stopped carrying it—probably because talc is now believed to cause respiratory problems and even cancer. You can still buy it at a department store, but a brand like Guerlain or Lanvin charges sixty bucks for a box of it! After [...]

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Amazon Prime: Worth the Cost?

November 27, 2010

Just signed up for a month’s free trial of Amazon’s “Prime” membership program. Why not? A month of free shipping at Christmastime: hard to resist! Do you think Amazon Prime is worth the annual membership fee of around $80 over the long haul? Hereabouts, sales taxes are now 9.7% and probably rising. With free shipping [...]

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Shop local and get a $25 AMEX kickback

November 26, 2010

One of my colleagues sends this intelligence: If you have an American Express card, go to this site to register the card. Then on Saturday go buy something from a local small business and get a $25 credit. More information about this campaign and its tie-in to Facebook appears here.

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