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For Active and Retired Federal Employees
RETIREMENT LIFE
MAY 2012, Volume 88, Number 5
LEGISLATIVE REPORT 8 12 14 16 18 20
Ryan Budget Aims Another Assault on Feds Bill Would Phase Out Medicare, Increase FEHBP Premiums Postal Reform Inches Forward Coalition Enhances NARFE’s Clout NARFE President Meets With OPM Director on Retirement Processing Delays Civics 101: Same Address, New District
COVER STORY 24
NARFE continues to urge members to put roadblocks in the way of the congressional steamroller. Here is a listing of the current threats to federal pay, benefits and jobs.
DEPARTMENTS 34 45 46 50
Cover design by Jim Richards.
COLUMNS 6 Message From the National President
28 Managing Money 30 Live Well 32 Civil Service Career Coach
44 Report From the Regions
SPECIAL SECTIONS 40 National Convention Update
NARFE Resources NARFE-PAC Coupon . . . . . . . .14
Questions & Answers
Life MembershipApplication . . .44
NARFE News
Membership Application . . . . . .47
Out & About
NARFE Member Perks . . . . . . .48
For the Record: TSP Investments, COLA Chart ‘Like’ us on Facebook (NARFE National Headquarters)
visit us online at www.narfe.org
NATIONAL OFFICERS
Here’s How to Contact NARFE ...
JOSEPH A. BEAUDOIN, President; natpres@narfe.org PAUL H. CAREW, Vice President; natvp@narfe.org ELAINE HUGHES, Secretary; natsec@narfe.org RICHARD G. THISSEN, Treasurer; nattreas@narfe.org
If you want to: • Join NARFE Call (toll-free):
800-627-3394 or 800-456-8410 Or go to: www.narfe.org
If you want to: • Change your address • Check your membership status • Find out dues owed • Provide a death notification Call (toll-free):
800-456-8410 Email:
memberrecords@narfe.org If you want to: • Add your email address to your record (to receive GEMS email messages, the Legislative Hotline and NARFE NewsWatch): Call (toll-free):
800-456-8410 Email:
memberrecords@narfe.org
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS REGION I Augie Stratoti (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) Tel: 603-889-1073 Email: augrs@juno.com REGION II Ronald P. Bowers (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) Tel: 410-308-0420 Email: narferbowers@msn.com REGION III Donald Stewart (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Virgin Islands) Tel: 305-442-6388 Email: dejs33149@aol.com REGION IV Paul E. Johnson (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) Tel: 812-306-5137 Email: pejohnson@tds.net REGION V Carol R. Ek (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) Tel: 620-241-1131 Email: ek617@att.net
REGION VI Jerome S. Smith (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas) Tel: 903-534-5849 Email: retiredjer@aol.com REGION VII Betty Lucero-Turner (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) Tel: 719-583-0910 Email: blturner2311@aol.com REGION VIII Helen L. Zajac (California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada and Republic of Philippines) Tel: 707-644-7565 Email: hlz17@aol.com REGION IX Lanny G. Ross (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) Tel: 360-692-9741 Email: lannyjean@comcast.net REGION X William F. Martin (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) Tel: 540-872-3345 Email: narfe2065@hughes.net
E-mail: memberrecords@narfeorg
If you want to:
• Hear the Legislative Hotline Call (toll-free):
877-217-8234 If you want to: • Get materials to recruit members: Call (toll-free):
800-627-3394 Email:
rr@narfe.org
For any other NARFE matter: Call NARFE Headquarters
703-838-7760 Email: hq@narfe.org Fax:703-838-7785 Write: NARFE 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria,VA 22314
NARFE MAGAZINE Volume 88,Number 5 Editor, Margaret M. Carter Assistant Editor, Donna J. St. John Editorial Administrator, Toni Vallario Graphic Designer, Beth Bedard Contributing Designers, Charlene Gridley, Jim Richards Editorial Board: Joseph A. Beaudoin, Paul H. Carew, Elaine Hughes, Richard G. Thissen Editorial Office: NARFE, Attn: NARFE magazine, 606 North Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1914; Phone: 703-838-7760; Fax: 703-838-7781; Email: rl@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Warren Berger, Media People Inc., 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 725, New York, NY 10168; 212-779-7172, ext. 223; Email: wberger@mediapeople.com
NARFE for the Visually Impaired On the Telephone: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons who have trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact the National Federation of the Blind NFB-NEWSLINE® service at 866-504-7300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org. On Tape: Issues of NARFE magazine are also available on cassette through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. To find out about availability in your area, call 800-424-8567 and ask for the Reference Section. The Association, since July 1970, has been classified by the IRS as a tax exempt labor organization [not a union]; however, dues and gifts or contributions to the Association are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.
NARFE (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St.,Alexandria,VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria,VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Non-member subscription rate $45. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn:Member Records,NARFE 606 N.Washington St.,Alexandria,VA 22314.To ensure prompt delivery,members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken. All submissions become the property of NARFE. Copyright © 2012, NARFE. Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in NARFE, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.
4
MAY 2012 | NARFE
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A Message From the National President
More Involvement Needed –Now!
I
’ll get to the topic referred to in the headline of this column in just a moment, but first I must announce that Barb L. Pretzer of Manhattan, KS, has resigned her position as chair of the NARFEAlzheimer’s National Committee due to a very serious illness. Barb has done a fantastic job since she became committee chair five and a half years ago. You’ve read her quarterly columns in this magazine, and you know how devoted she has been to fundraising for Alzheimer’s research. As you may know, each of NARFE’s 10 regions is represented on the committee by an Alzheimer’s coordinator. Barb was Region V’s Alzheimer’s coordinator. Region IV Coordinator Jane Rodgers of Wadesville, IN, has agreed to assume the post of committee chair, and Region IX Coordinator Gen Boguslawski of Meridian, ID, is the new vice chair. Janice A. Neuschafer of McPherson, KS, has been appointed to the committee as Region V coordinator. Let me also mention a couple of departures from our Headquarters staff. John Clements, director of membership development, retired on February 29 after more than 12 years, and Wil Speer retired as director of operations on April 7 after 15 years. Both served NARFE and our members well and will be missed. Our Association is in its 91st year. Our initial membership of 14 grew to nearly half a million by 1982. Today, it is less than 300,000. If you’re like me, you’re very proud of what NARFE has accomplished in the past and what we’re doing today. But if you’re like me, you also are concerned as to what may happen next. After national elections in November, Congress will continue to tackle the problem of our massive national debt. Once again, the federal community will be “low-hanging fruit” – the first fruit picked. You’re probably asking yourselves why I am mentioning that in this column.
The answer is simple: We need every NARFE member to get involved in this fight. First, we need you to keep in touch with your legislators so that they know what active and retired federal employees want and what we expect from them. Some of you have been doing a great job of contacting your legislators, while most members are willing to “let someone else do it.” How do I know? On February 15, NARFE had a “National Call-In Day,” where we provided a toll-free line to contact your members of Congress and read a prepared script. Unfortunately, less than 5 percent of our members participated. We have to do better or else those legislators and the public who are looking to cut your pay and your retirement benefits are going to get the idea we don’t care. Second, in addition to asking you to contact your members of Congress, I am personally appealing to you for assistance in recruiting and retaining NARFE members. A resounding “thank you” to those who have renewed their membership. We appreciate your loyalty to NARFE. We need you to persuade your fellow chapter members to renew their membership so that we can maintain a strong, effective Association. We also are asking you to recruit at least one new member this year. If 10 percent of members accepted the challenge and recruited just one member, membership would rise by approximately 30,000. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Remember that we still pay $8 for every new active federal employee that you recruit. By helping us, you will be helping yourself. I’m confident that we can increase our clout on Capitol Hill with increased membership. Headquarters is recruiting new members every day, but we cannot do it alone. Remember, “Working Together, We Will Succeed.” Recruit a new member today so that we can protect your benefits tomorrow.
IN ADDITION to asking you to contact your members of Congress,I am appealing to you for assistance in recruiting and retaining NARFE members.
Joseph A. Beaudoin natpres@narfe.org
6
MAY 2012 | NARFE
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LEGISLATIVE REPORT
RyanBudgetAims Another Retirement, Pay AssaultonFeds And Jobs Are
A
sking “whatever happened to ‘shared sacrifice,’” NARFE President Joseph A. Beaudoin has criticized a budget plan approved March 21 by the House Budget Committee that would save $368 billion
over 10 years by cutting federal retirement, extending the current federal employee pay freeze and reducing the federal workforce. Proposed by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-WI, and embraced by Republican lawmakers, the budget plan “would further shift America’s budget burden onto middleclass federal workers,” Beaudoin said. The House was expected to approve the plan, H. Con. Res. 112, on a partyline vote before breaking for the Easter/Passover Recess. To date, roughly $60 billion has been saved by freezing federal pay for two
years, with a third year’s freeze being discussed at press time. In addition, roughly $15 billion in budget savings were achieved by assessing new federal employees an additional contribution toward their Federal Employees Retirement System annuities. Those savings affect employees not yet eligible for an annuity by December 31, 2012, and were enacted earlier this year as part of the extension of unemployment benefits, the payroll-tax holiday and the Medicare physician pay-fix . “America’s federal workforce has already sacrificed $75 billion to help get the country’s budget back on track,” Beaudoin pointed out. “Enough is enough.”
NARFE asks, “Is this what shared sacrifice looks like?” The Ryan budget calls for federal workers to sacrifice $368 billion, while America’s wealthiest sacrifice nothing.
8
Targeted in Plan
WHAT’S NEXT Under the Congressional Budget
■ Two congressional recesses
occur during the month of May: 1. House and Senate members will be in their districts/states April 30 through May 4. 2. For the Memorial Day recess, the two houses of Congress are not in sync this year. The House will be out of session May 21-29, while the Senate will be out of session May 28-June 1. Memorial Day is Monday, May 28. ■ May is Older Americans
Month. Established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, the celebration acknowledges the contributions of older persons to our country. This year’s theme is “Never Too Old to Play.”
LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE Toll-free! (24 Hours): 877-217-8234 Legislative Action Center: www.narfe.org MAY 2012 | NARFE
Legislative Report and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, following the submission of the president’s budget, the House and Senate consider budget resolutions to govern spending and revenue decisions for the fiscal year beginning on October 1. Consideration of the budget resolution has traditionally been the starting point, after which annual appropriations measures and bills changing entitlement, mandatory spending and revenue laws may be considered. With last year’s agreement on the public debt limit and a 10-year, $1.2 trillion deficit-reduction plan, most observers assumed that little or no action on a new budget plan would happen prior to the November 6 elections. In fact, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, had announced his plans that the Senate not consider a budget resolution this year. However, it does not appear that the House will follow suit. The Ryan budget comes in response to the looming “sequestration” process. That process grew out of the failure of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, the “supercommittee,” to agree on a bipartisan budget-reduction plan. The sequestration process, scheduled to kick in January 2013, puts budget-cutting on automatic pilot, with across-the-board cuts required in defense and domestic discretionary budgets, along with cuts in Medicare provider payments, agricultural supports, student loan subsidies and more.
RYAN BUDGET DETAILS Elements of the Ryan budget include: • Reducing the number of federal workers by 10 percent over three years, principally through attrition, and limiting hiring to one new employee for every three to leave the payroll during the period. Beaudoin pointed out, “It’s worth remembering that losing one in 10 federal
NARFE points out that two out of three federal employees work in the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security and Justice, all important to the nation’s safety and security.
10
STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ The House Budget Committee has approved a
budget plan, H. Con. Res. 112. ■ The plan would reduce the number of federal
workers by 10 percent over three years, extend the current two-year federal pay freeze through fiscal year 2015 and increase retirement contributions by employees.
workers means losing 100,000 employees at the U.S. Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Justice and Homeland Security.” • Extending the current two-year pay freeze on civilian employment for an additional three years, through fiscal year 2015. A recent Congressional Budget Office study suggested that while higher skilled and higher paid federal workers might lag behind their private-sector counterparts in total compensation, entry level and lower paid federal civil service employees were paid at rates considerably exceeding the private sector. The methodology of the report has been extensively debated, particularly since the President’s Pay Agent, established by law, reports that federal employees, on average, trail their private-sector counterparts by more than 20 percent in salaries annually. • Increasing contributions to retirement plans for current and future federal employees to equalize the employee and government shares. The initiative, consistent with the recommendations of the 2010 Fiscal Commission Report, would “equate with the arrangement commonly in place for state and local civil servants,” according to a House Budget Committee staffer. Savings from this change alone would shift more than $70 billion in costs to active federal employees. While the elements of the Ryan plan targeting civilian pay and benefits and workforce size come with a savings estimate, there is no question that those proposals also come with a cost. Apart from the “pain in the pocketbook” felt by federal employees, there is a real risk that, as a result of this continuing assault on civil servants, the federal government will not be able to carry out its mission. With more than 40 percent of long-experienced federal workers eligible to retire in the next five years, according to the Office of Personnel Management, the “brain drain” of retirements will take its toll — leaving an indelible mark on the country and Americans in every community, who may not recognize the role that the federal government plays in their everyday lives.
By Alan Lopatin, Legislative Counsel MAY 2012 | NARFE
Presenting the V ÕÃÌ VÊ 7>Ûi ® ÕÃ VÊ ÃÞÃÌi Ê °Ê "ÕÀÊ LiÃÌ «iÀv À }Ê > iÊ ÕÃ VÊ ÃÞÃÌi °
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Legislative Report
Bill Would Phase Out Medicare, Increase FEHBP Premiums
A
bill introduced March 15 in the Senate would require Medicare participants to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), phase out Medicare and result in increased premiums for current FEHBP participants. The Congressional Health Care for Seniors Act (CHCSA) also would gradually increase the eligibility age for Medicare to 70 and require wealthier participants to pay a higher premium. The lead sponsor of the bill, S. 2196, is Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY. Co-sponsors are Sens. Lindsey Graham, RSC; Mike Lee, R-UT; and Jim DeMint, R-SC. NARFE President Joseph A. Beaudoin said that the plan is a “kill-two-birds-with-one-stone kind of proposal that would both bring down Medicare as we know it and threaten the stability of the FEHBP. “For more than four decades, the FEHBP has provided a stable, though not overly generous, health insurance benefit to federal civilian employees, retirees and their dependents,” Beaudoin said. “We will oppose any attempt to weaken it by opening it up to nonfederal participants.” The four senators sponsoring the legislation claim that a benefit of the proposal is that Medicare beneficiaries would be enrolled in the same program as members of Congress and other federal employees. However, as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (health care
Public Service Pride ublic Service Recognition Week will be celebrated this year from May 6-12. Sponsored by the Partnership for Public Service, the annual event honors public service at the local, state and federal levels. For ideas on how they can mark the event, NARFE chapter and federation leaders should go to PublicServiceRecognitionWeek.org. NARFE is a partner of the Partnership for Public Service.
P
STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ A bill introduced in the Senate would require
Medicare enrollees to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and phase out Medicare. ■ NARFE says the plan would bring down Medicare as we know it and threaten the stability of the FEHBP. ■ NARFE opposes any attempt to open the FEHBP to nonfederal enrollees without the establishment of separate risk pools.
reform law), members of Congress and congressional staff will be required to leave the FEHBP in 2014 and enroll in state-based exchanges. The CHCSA would require Medicare enrollees to begin enrolling in the FEHBP in 2014 and would phase out the Medicare program, though no timeline for ending Medicare was provided. During their press conference, the senators claimed that the legislation would save $1 trillion over 10 years. The government would pay three-quarters of the cost of the average plan. Seniors unable to afford the remaining premium would receive assistance through Medicaid. A “high-risk pool” would be established for the top 5 percent of the most expensive patients. The government would reimburse the health plans 90 percent for those in the highrisk pool so as to avoid the insurance plans’ cherry-picking patients. It is unclear if these policies would be for Medicare beneficiaries only or for all of those now enrolled in the FEHBP. NARFE opposes any attempt to open the FEHBP to nonfederal enrollees without the establishment of separate risk pools. Risk pools are used to calculate health plan premiums based on the cost of providing coverage to enrollees. Without the opportunity to study nonfederal enrollees in a separate FEHBP risk pool, the introduction of any new community into the FEHBP could result in unanticipated premium increases. The sponsors of the CHCSA claim that their legislation would increase the premiums for current FEHBP enrollees an average of $30 a month.
By Sarah Holstine, Legislative Specialist
12
MAY 2012 | NARFE
25 to Lim 00 th it re e f ed sp ir on st de nt s
Spectacular Treasure from Mount St. Helens
The Beauty in the Beast F
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Legislative Report
Postal Reform Inches Forward
I
n late March, the Senate once again delayed consideration of postal reform legislation. At press time, the bill, S. 1789, was expected to be rescheduled for Senate floor action after the Easter/Passover recess. The postal reform bill includes a provision that would reduce federal workers’ compensation benefits. On March 26, Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-HI, wrote to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, expressing concern about the workers’ comp reductions. Akaka was joined by Sens. Mark Begich, D-AK; Daniel K. Inouye, D-HI; Tom Harkin, D-IA; Barbara A. Mikulski, D-MD; Benjamin L. Cardin, D-MD; Carl Levin, D-MI; Al Franken, D-MN; and Jon Tester, D-MT. NARFE encouraged senators to join Akaka on the letter and will continue to work with him and his staff to prevent unfair reductions in benefits for injured workers. Meanwhile, Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe told a House subcommittee March 27 that removing U.S. Postal Service (USPS) workers and retirees from the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and putting them into a proposed USPS health plan would result in $7 billion in savings and eliminate the need for the USPS to prefund future retiree health care costs. However, at the hearing before the Subcommittee on Fed-
STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ The Senate delayed consideration of postal reform. ■ A group of senators expressed concern over
inclusion of a federal workers’ compensation provision in the postal reform bill. ■ At a House hearing, the postmaster general explained the USPS plan to create a health plan for postal workers and retirees. eral Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and Labor Policy, another witness disagreed. Walton Francis, author of the Consumers’ Checkbook Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, countered that it would be impossible for the USPS to get better rates to cover one million participants than the FEHBP, which has more than nine million participants. Francis said pulling out of the FEHBP would cost the Postal Service $500 million a year more than it currently pays and “massively disrupt or destroy” the FEHBP. Under the USPS program, retirees would be required to take Medicare Parts A, B and D, and the Postal Service would offer a Medigap plan to provide services not covered by Medicare. NARFE Legislative Director Julie Tagen said, “nothing [Donahoe] says allays the fears of retirees, workers or taxpayers.” ■
NARFE-PAC Contribution Form
Payment Information
I would like to make a monthly credit card contribution to Name: _____________________________________________ NARFE-PAC of: Monthly contributions qualify you to receive a Member ID# (if available): ___________________________ $10/month NARFE-PAC Sustainer lapel pin and the red, white Address: ___________________________________________ and blue NARFE umbrella. $25/month __________________________________________________
Other:______/month (minimum of $10) Check or money order enclosed -or-or(below; required for monthly contribution) I would like to make a one-time contribution of: Credit Card Card Type: MasterCard Visa Discover AMEX $100 (qualifies for Gold 2011-2012 NARFE-PAC lapel pin and NARFE umbrella)
$50 (qualifies for Silver 2011-2012 NARFE-PAC lapel pin)
$20 (qualifies for Basic 2011-2012 NARFE-PAC lapel pin, pictured here)
Card #: ____________________________________________ Expiration Date: ____ / ____ Name on Card: _____________________________________ Signature:__________________________________________
Only members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association may contribute to NARFE-PAC. NARFE will neither favor nor disadvantage anyone based on the amount of a contribution, or the failure to make a voluntary contribution to this nonpartisan political action fund. NARFE-PAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
14
Date: __________________ Please send check, money order or credit card information to: Attn: Budget & Finance / NARFE / 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 MAY 2012 | NARFE
Legislative Report
Coalition Enhances NARFE’s Clout
N
ARFE’s partnerships with organizations representing segments of the federal community are critical factors in the Association’s effectiveness on Capitol Hill. One of these partnerships, the Federal-Postal Coalition, has become an important resource for NARFE staff and members. Founded in the 1970s by NARFE and federal and postal employee organizations as the Fund for Assuring an Independent Retirement, or FAIR, the coalition originally fought against Social Security coverage for federal employees. Over the years, FAIR changed its name to the Federal-Postal Coalition and now includes 29 national organizations.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ To amplify the voice of the federal community,
29 organizations have joined to form the FederalPostal Coalition.
As the federal community has faced increasing attacks over the past few years, the coalition’s work has become even more important. Through regular conference calls and monthly meetings, staff from the partner organizations share information. Beyond information-sharing, the coalition shares resources, including key connections. Each organization has developed relationships on Capitol Hill and organizes meetings for coalition members to attend together. As individual organizations, coalition members Members of the Federal-Postal Coalition are: work the halls of Congress and serve as advocates American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees for their members. But when there are common American Foreign Service Association concerns, coalition members come together and American Postal Workers Union speak with one voice – a louder and stronger voice FAA Managers Association as a single, united community. Federal Managers Association For example, when a House subcommittee Federally Employed Women wanted a representative of the federal community International Association of Fire Fighters to testify at a hearing on federal pay and benefits, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers the panel’s minority staff came to the coalition. International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers David Snell, director of NARFE’s Federal Benefits Laborers’ International Union of North America Service Department, represented the coalition at National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association that hearing. More recently, when the Senate National Air Traffic Controllers Association voted on an amendment to a highway bill that inNational Association of Assistant United States Attorneys cluded an extension of the current federal emNational Association of Government Employees ployee pay freeze, coalition members successfully National Association of Letter Carriers worked together to stop it (see p. 24). National Association of Postal Supervisors The coalition also hosts political events for conNational Association of Postmasters of the U.S. gressional candidates from across the country. At National Council of Social Security Management Associations these “meet-and-greets,” the candidates learn that National Federation of Federal Employees federal workforce issues are more complex than National League of Postmasters the picture painted in broad strokes by the media. National Postal Mail Handlers Union Some NARFE federations work with the state National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association affiliates of coalition organizations to host joint National Treasury Employees Union events and share information. NARFE HeadNational Weather Service Employees Organization quarters encourages such cooperation. Organization of Professional Employees of the USDA For links to each Federal-Postal Coalition Patent Office Professional Association partner’s website, go to www. narfe.org and click Professional Aviation Safety Specialists on Coalition Partners under “Special Links” in the Professional Managers Association left panel on the Members Home Page.
Federal-Postal Coalition
Senior Executives Association
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By Sarah Holstine, Legislative Specialist MAY 2012 | NARFE
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Legislative Report
NARFE President Meets With OPM Director on Retirement Delays
O
ffice of Personnel Management (OPM) Director John Berry has apologized to NARFE and the entire federal community for the backlog in processing retirement claims and pledged, “We are going to get this right.” At a meeting March 9 with NARFE National President Joseph A. Beaudoin and members of the NARFE staff, Berry reiterated a promise he made to Congress that eliminating the current backlog is his highest priority this year. He said he had invited Beaudoin to his office to talk about progress to date. “I just NARFE President Joseph A. wanted you to hear it from Beaudoin (right) just happened the horse’s mouth,” he said. to have a membership applicaIn January, the backlog tion on hand, and OPM Director John Berry joined NARFE. was more than 61,000 claims. On February 1, Beaudoin testified before a Senate subcommittee about the delays. There have also been issues with interim payments being too low, Beaudoin told the subcommittee. OPM strives to give new annuitants interim payments of 80 percent of the estimated final annuity and aims to process all claims within 60 days of receiving them. It’s currently taking six to eight months to finalize retirement claims. NARFE has heard from retirees who have been
waiting for more than a year. At the meeting in his office, Berry introduced the agency team in charge of implementing the plan to eliminate the backlog. The good news is that OPM is already ahead of its goals for January and February, Berry said. Staff members are expected to cut the current backlog of more than 57,000 claims by half by the end of 2012. OPM has begun hiring and training new employees to process claims, and that has helped it exceed its goals. On the fifth of each month, OPM publishes its retirement processing status at www.opm.gov/ StrategicPlan/pdf/RetirementProcessingStatus.pdf. Berry emphasized that the more information employees are able to prepare for their retirement counselors, the smoother the process will go. “No one knows their file better than the employee,” he pointed out. Problematic paperwork from agencies has added to the processing problems. OPM is preparing a checklist for employees, and NARFE has pledged to publish it in NARFE magazine and on the NARFE website. Beaudoin also discussed some of the recommendations NARFE made at the congressional hearing, including higher production standards and better overall communication between annuitants and the agency. “While NARFE is still concerned about the length of time new annuitants need to wait for their final annuity, we will continue to work with and support OPM as it continues to implement its strategic plan to solve this problem,” Beaudoin said.
By Julie Tagen, Legislative Director
At the meeting with OPM Director John Berry to discuss efforts to eliminate the backlog in retirement claims processing were, from left: David Snell, director of NARFE’s Federal Benefits Service Department; Julie Tagen, NARFE legislative director; Charles D. Grimes, OPM chief operating officer; NARFE President Joseph A. Beaudoin; Berry; Kenneth Zawodny Jr., OPM associate director, retirement services; Justin R. Johnson, OPM deputy chief of staff; and Matthew E. Perry, OPM chief information officer.
18
MAY 2012 | NARFE
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Legislative Report CIVICS 101:
THE INFORMED CITIZEN
Same Address,New District
R
edistricting is the once-every-10-years redrawing of election districts to comply with one-person, one-vote provisions of the Constitution. The current round of congressional redistricting, following the 2010 Census and reapportionment, means millions of Americans and thousands of NARFE members will be in “new” congressional districts. “New” in the sense of dramatically different boundaries; new, no or multiple incumbents; and/or a different district number. In fact, the only thing left unchanged, in many cases, is the polling place. Even if the congressional district is entirely or largely unchanged, other redistricting means new state legislative, county or city districts.
CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY While redistricting presents several challenges, it also is an opportunity for a fresh start. In the present high-stakes environment, organizing for power is a necessity. Chapter and federation leaders should use congressional redistricting as the occasion to reorganize in order to take best advantage of the new boundaries. Chapters previously split between two or more districts may be entirely within a newly drawn district. Conversely, chapters once entirely within a single congressional district may be split under new lines. Even more daunting, organizing multiple chapters and chapter frag-
STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ Congressional redistricting will mean many
NARFE members will be in “new” districts. ■ This provides a challenge to NARFE chapters to
reorganize their grass-roots organization. ■ Here’s how to find out your new district.
ments is crucial to our grass-roots advocacy. District officers and congressional district liaisons, where they exist, will be key players in efficient and effective organizing.
INCUMBENT VERSUS INCUMBENT Redistricting prompted 11 primary elections with two incumbents (see chart below). Already, each party has had an incumbent vs. incumbent primary. Nine remain to be held. In districts in Iowa and Ohio, where reapportionment reduced the number of districts, the general election will pit two incumbents.
UNCERTAINTY FAVORS THE ORGANIZED
In this cycle’s general election on November 6, incumbents running in substantially changed districts should be eager to meet with NARFE groups with which they are not familiar. In Texas, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D, has already met with two NARFE chapters in an area new to his district. In addition to being more accessible, these incumbents may well be more eager to please House Contests With Two Incumbents a large constituency group that is well orDistrict Incumbent Incumbent Election Date ganized and well led. NARFE needs to be AZ-09 Ben Quayle (R) David Schweikert (R) 8/28/2012 that group. CA-30 Brad Sherman (D) Howard L. Berman (D) 6/5/2012
CA-44 Laura Richardson (D) FL-07 Sandy Adams (R) IL-16 Donald Manzullo (R) IA-03 Leonard L. Boswell (D) LA-03 Charles Boustany (R) MI-14 Hansen Clarke (D) MO-01 William Lacy Clay (D) NJ-09 Steven R. Rothman (D) OH-09 Marcy Kaptur (D)* OH-16 James B. Renacci (R) PA-12 Jason Altmire (D) * Denotes primary winner
Janice Hahn (D) John L. Mica (R) Adam Kinzinger (R)* Tom Latham (R) Jeff Landry (R) Gary Peters (D) Russ Carnahan (D) Bill Pascrell (D) Dennis J. Kucinich (D) Betty Sutton (D) Mark Critz (D)
6/5/2012 8/14/2012 3/20/2012 11/6/2012 11/6/2012 8/7/2012 8/7/2012 6/5/2012 3/6/2012 11/6/2012 4/24/2012
RESOURCES As the last few states complete congressional redistricting, new Web-based maps are available. These maps, in the hands of citizens, serve as a powerful tool for the decade ahead. Also, NARFE members should urge newspaper editors to feature detailed, color maps of congressional districts in their circulation area. Remind editors that many of their loyal subscribers Continued on p. 22
20
MAY 2012 | NARFE
Best of Italy & Austria Tour Rome – Pompeii – Amalfi Coast – Florence – Pisa – Verona – Venice
15 Days
from $2398*
Join other NARFE members departing September 19, 2012
Start in Rome and enjoy three days this Eternal City. You will see the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, visit Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and tour the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Two nights in Sorrento allows included sightseeing of the excavations of famous Pompeii and a tour of the beautiful coastal drive of Amalfi and the cliffs. Your next two nights are in the Tuscany region with included sightseeing in Florence, Pisa and Verona followed by two nights in Venice with sightseeing. Next, Austria with two nights in Mozart’s birthplace Salzburg with a Sound of Music excursion and two nights in Vienna, Austria with a city tour and Danube River Cruise. Includes 13 breakfasts, 9 dinners & English-speaking escort throughout.
Best of England & Scotland 12 Days
from $1698*
Travel with other NARFE members departing September 27, 2012
Your vacation begins in London with a sightseeing tour of some of the most renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. Then travel to Bath, with some of the finest architectural sights such as the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge. You will also visit the Roman Baths. The following day you will travel to Stratford; (the birthplace of Shakespeare) for one night. Then continue on to the historic City of Chester and The Lake District, England’s largest national park, with stunning scenery and views. Next, cross the border into Scotland and spend two nights in Edinburgh where you will enjoy a city tour seeing the Palace of Holyrood, plus more. Return to England, stopping in Durham; York, with a city tour; Sherwood Forest; Oxford; Blenheim Palace and the Cotswold villages known for their local limestone cottages. Spend your final day with a panoramic and walking tour of Oxford, viewing Carfax Tower and Bodleian Library with a drive to the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world - Windsor Castle.
Autumn Leaves Tour 14 Days
Join other NARFE members departing October 12, 2012
from $1548*
Start in Philadelphia with a city tour. Then your scenic journey begins offering spectacular and colorful vistas through Amish Country to Gettysburg where you will see the most important battlefield of the Civil War. Travel north with a stop at the Corning Museum of Glass into Ontario and aweinspiring Niagara Falls. Then head back to upstate New York where you will board a cruise through the 1000 Islands. Next, drive through the six-millionacre civilized wilderness of the Adirondack region, with a stop in Lake Placid and then into the forest area of New England: The White Mountains, including Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire and Flume Gorge. Then drive along the New England coast to Boston, with a city tour; Cape Cod, exploring Chatham and Provincetown with coastal scenery and village shops; view the gorgeous Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island; drive along the Atlantic coast through Mystic Seport and New Haven, Connecticut; and New York City seeing all the major sights of the “Big Apple.”
Save on this Repositioning Cruise
Tour Spain ~ Cruise to Miami 21 Days
Travel with other NARFE members departing October 14, 2012
from $1998*
Your tour of Spain begins in Madrid for four days and nights. Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour that includes the beautiful 16th century square, The Royal Palace and the historic Habsburg quarter. Enjoy full-day excursions to Toledo; the former capital of the Spanish Empire, the Roman City of Segovia and El Escorial. Then travel to Zaragonza; Spain’s fifth largest city en route to Barcelona. Spend two days and nights exploring this cosmopolitan city known for its art, architecture and style. See The Basilica and visit the Joan Miro Museum and Poble Espanyol; a unique open-air museum. Then board NCL’s newest ship the Epic for your 13-day FreeStyle cruise. As you sail, enjoy the many onboard facilities and entertainment choices. Ports include Ponta Delgada, Azores; with miles of sandy beaches and majestic white houses and St. Thomas, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Then relax during your final days at sea and disembark in Miami on November 3.
Rose Parade, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon & Arizona Tour Sedona & Red Rocks – Phoenix & Scottsdale
11 Days
Join other NARFE members departing December 29, 2012
from $1548*
Get away from the colder weather during the first week in January and enjoy the best New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day you have had in years! Start in Los Angeles (4 nights) with a city tour of L.A., Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and an exclusive, pre-parade, after public hours, float building and viewing at the Rosemont Pavilion with included dinner. Watch the artists put the “finishing touches” on the floats unencumbered by public crowds! On Tuesday, January 1, 2013, enjoy your reserved grandstand seats at the Rose Parade! On Wednesday, January 2, depart for Las Vegas (2 nights). The following day, travel to the Grand Canyon for your overnight stay in the park with an opportunity to marvel at the ever changing colors during the sunset and sunrise, with included breakfast. Then depart to another astonishing landscape - the Red Rocks of Sedona. You will also visit Montezuma’s Castle enroute to Phoenix and Scottsdale where you will spend your final two nights with an included city tour.
*Price per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare is extra.
For details & itinerary call 7 days a week:
1-800-736-7300
Legislative Report Continued from p. 20
& Candidates” section. This portion of our Legislative Action Center, being updated continuously by our vendor, uses a street address and ZIP code to find the congressional districts for the 2012 elections. To use this important new advocacy tool from NARFE, see step-by-step instructions below.
have no access to maps on the Internet.
FINDING YOUR “NEW” DISTRICT The NARFE website, www.narfe.org, has a new “Elections
By Christopher Farrell, Legislative Representative
Who’s Running in Your District? as your congressional district been redrawn? To find out who is running in your “new” district, go to the NARFE website, www.narfe.org, and click on “Legislative Action Center” in the middle of the Main Home Page under Legislation, or on the Members or Legislation Home Pages. Then: 1 Click on “Elections & Candidates.” 3 2 Insert your street address and ZIP code. 3 Get a display of the Senate (if any) and House candidates who are running for Congress in “your” district. (To go directly to the “Elections & Candidates” site, type this address in your browser: http://narfe.capwiz.com/election/ my_races.)
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By John Hatton, Legislative Representative
AS THE THREATS to federal pay, retirement and health benefits grow, NARFE continues to put roadblocks in the way of the congressional steamroller. On March 13, the Senate defeated an amendment to a highway bill that would have extended the federal pay freeze to offset the cost of special-interest tax breaks and changes in energy policy. The victory was due to the efforts of the NARFE Legislative Department and the Federal-Postal Coalition, as well as the activism of NARFE members – making calls, sending messages, attending town hall meetings, visiting congressional offices and giving generously to NARFE-PAC and the “Protect America’s Heartbeat” campaign.
So far this year, Congress has passed only one piece of legislation affecting the federal family – increasing retirement contributions for newly hired federal employees. NARFE urges members to keep up the pressure to avoid further harm to the federal workforce and to prevent cuts to retirees’ benefits. Here is a summary of current threats and a list of pending proposals.
RETIREMENT SECURITY Various proposals would either reduce or eliminate the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuity or require FERS and Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) employees to pay more toward retirement, or both. Legislation approved by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee would impose a 3.2 percent increase in retirement contributions for newly hired employees and a 1.5 percent increase for both FERS- and CSRScovered employees. It also would reduce annuities by more than 40 percent by changing the formula upon which they are based and eliminating the FERS Annuity Supplement. (See chart, H.R. 3813.) President Obama has proposed im-
Proposal
posing a slightly more modest increase in contributions and ending the FERS Annuity Supplement for new employees only. (See chart, Obama Budget.) The budget plan proposed by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-WI, and approved by the committee, calls for even larger increases in employee contributions. (See chart, H. Con. Res. 112.) Sen. Richard M. Burr, R-NC, would eliminate the FERS defined-benefit annuity entirely. (See chart, S. 644.) The 2010 Simpson-Bowles Fiscal Commission proposed changing the formula for determining cost-of-living adjustments, a change that would affect current and future retirees alike. (See chart, Fiscal Commission.)
HEALTH CARE Sens. Rand Paul, R-KY; Mike Lee, RUT; Jim DeMint, R-SC; and Lindsey Graham, R-SC, would move the entire Medicare population into the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which would cause a drastic increase in premiums for federal employees and retirees while threatening the affordability of health coverage for seniors. (See chart, S. 2196.)
The Fiscal Commission proposed limiting the government contribution for health care premiums, shifting a financial burden onto federal employees and retirees. (See chart, Fiscal Commission.)
FEDERAL PAY Members of Congress have proposed extending the current two-year federal employee pay freeze for up to five years total (through 2015). (See chart, S. 2065, H. Con. Res. 112, H.R. 3835.)
WORKFORCE REDUCTION Proposals have sought to place an even greater workload on federal workers by arbitrarily reducing the size of the federal workforce, unattached to program cuts. (See chart, S. 2065, H. Con. Res. 112, H.R. 2114.)
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Sen. Susan Collins, R-ME, has proposed reducing benefits for injured federal workers at retirement age. (See chart, S. 261.) Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, I-CT, has incorporated a version of Collins’ proposal into tangentially related postal reform legislation. (See chart, S. 1789.)
Summary
Pay H.R.3835 (passed House)
Extends the current two-year pay freeze an extra year,until Dec.31,2013,for all federal workers and members of Congress.
Annuities H.R.3813 (approved by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
• Raises an employee’s Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) contribution from 0.8% of salary to 2.3% of salary for current employees and 4% for future employees. (This is essentially a mandatory payroll tax on middle-class federal workers,who are already paying about 12% of their salary to receive full retirement benefits.) • Reduces annuities by more than 40% by changing the accrual rate from 1% to 0.7% and basing annuities on the highest five instead of the highest three years of salary. • Eliminates the FERSAnnuity Supplement.(The supplement substitutes for Social Security benefits until annuitants reach Social Security eligibility age.)
NARFE | MAY 2012
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Proposal
Summary
Pay and Workforce S.2065
• Extends the current two-year pay freeze an extra year and a half,until June 2014,for all federal workers. • Restricts government hiring for five years so that,for every three federal vacancies,only two are filled.
Pay, Workforce, Annuities H.Con.Res.112 (Ryan Budget)
• Calls for $368 billion in cuts over 10 years. • Freezes federal pay for three more years. • Reduces the federal workforce by 10 percent across the board through attrition. • Raises an employee’s FERS contribution from 0.8% of salary to 6.25% of salary.(This is essentially a 5% mandatory payroll tax on middle-class federal workers,who are already paying about 12% of their salary to receive full retirement benefits.)
(approved by House Budget Committee)
Annuities Obama Budget
• Raises an employee’s retirement contribution by 1.2% over three years.(This is essentially a mandatory payroll tax on middle-class federal workers,who are already paying about 12% of their salary to receive full retirement benefits.) • Eliminates the FERSAnnuity Supplement for future employees.(The supplement substitutes for Social Security benefits until annuitants reach Social Security eligibility age.)
Annuities S.644
Eliminates the defined-benefit annuity entirely for new federal workers.(The benefit has effectively been in place for federal employees for 90 years.)
Annuities Fiscal Comm.
• Erodes inflation protection for federal retiree cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). (COLAs help seniors on fixed incomes cope with rising housing,health care and food costs.) • Reduces annuities by basing them on the highest five years instead of the highest three years of salary.
Compensation S.261
Weakens the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) and stops support for injured federal employees once they reach retirement age.(Instead of continuing to receive FECA payments that fairly compensate for lost wages,an injured federal employee’s annuity would be calculated in the same way as his or her noninjured peers,whose salaries rose during the time the injured worker’s stayed flat. While on FECA,federal employees still would not be able to participate in theThrift Savings Plan or Social Security.)
Compensation S.1789 (Sec.302-3)
Weakens FECA. Included in postal reform legislation,these provisions would reduce FECA benefits by 25-33% at retirement age.
Health Benefits S.2196
Requires Medicare enrollees to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and slowly phases out Medicare. Also increases the eligibility age of Medicare to 70 and requires wealthierAmericans to pay higher premiums.
Health Benefits Fiscal Comm.
Requires federal employees,retirees and survivors to pay an increasingly higher share of their health insurance premiums.(Currently,federal employees pay 30% of their health insurance premium,which is similar to the private sector. This proposal would raise that to 43% by 2020.)
Workforce H.R.2114
Shaves one in 10 federal jobs by 2014 through attrition.For every three federal employees who leave the workforce,only one would be hired.(Instead of identifying ways to make the federal workforce more efficient,this policy would remove positions arbitrarily.)
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MAY 2012 | NARFE
Limited Mintage Striking...
WORLD’S FIRST $100 SILVER PROOF
Collectible 2012 date
Mirrored proof background
Larger Franklin portrait
Liberty Bell, quill pen & July 4th date
New York Mint Announces the Limited Mintage Striking of an Extraordinary Silver Proof —the New United States $100 Bill Struck in Pure Silver Bullion. Discount Price $99 This extraordinary piece of pure silver bullion has a surface area that exceeds 30 square inches...and it contains one Troy ounce of pure silver bullion! And now, during a limited strike period, the very first Year 2012 $100 Silver Proof is available at a special discount price—only $99!
EXQUISITE DETAIL The historic 2012 $100 Silver Proof is an exquisite adaptation of the United States Treasury’s newly-designed $100 Federal Reserve Note—only the second new $100 bill design in 70 years. It is a true artistic masterpiece that will always be treasured.
Minted in one Troy ounce of pure silver bullion
Shown larger than actual size of 6" x 21⁄2"
ADVANCE STRIKE DISCOUNT The price for the 2012 One-Ounce Silver Proof will be set at $129 per proof. However, if you place your order now, you can acquire this giant silver proof at the special advance strike discount price—only $99. NOTE TO COLLECTORS: If you place your order for the $100 silver proof within the next 10 days, it will be processed immediately, and the earliest orders will receive the lowest registration numbers.
ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS Substantial additional discounts are available for serious collectors who wish to acquire more than one of these exquisite silver proofs. You can order: ONE Year 2012 $100 Silver Proofs for just $99 each + s/h FIVE Year 2012 $100 Silver Proofs for just $95 each + s/h TEN Year 2012 $100 Silver Proofs for just $89 each + s/h There is a limit of twenty $100 Silver Proofs per order, and all orders are subject to acceptance by New York Mint.
ONLY 9999 AVAILABLE .999 SILVER Best of all, this stunning Silver Proof is even more beautiful than the original, because it’s struck in precious silver bullion! It is a landmark in proof minting, combining unprecedented weight with extraordinary dimension. The specifications for this colossal medallic proof are unparalleled. Each one: • Is Individually Struck from Pure .999 Silver Bullion. • Weighs one Troy ounce. • Has a Surface Area That Exceeds 30 Square Inches. • Contains 31.10 Grams (480 Grains) of Pure Silver. • Is Individually Registered and Comes With a Numbered Certificate of Authenticity. • Is Fully Encapsulated to Protect Its Mirror-Finish. • Includes a Deluxe Presentation Case.
New York Mint will limit striking to only 9999 One-Ounce Silver Proofs for the year 2012, so oversubscription is a virtual certainty. Telephone orders only will be accepted on a strict firstcome, first-served basis according to the time and date of the order.
Call Today to Order Your $100 Silver Proof!
1-888-201-7060 Offer Code: NSP146 Please mention this code when you call.
A major credit card is necessary to secure your reservation, and New York Mint guarantees satisfaction with a moneyback policy for a full 30 days.
New York Mint
Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a predictor of future performance. New York Mint is a private distributor of worldwide government coin issues and is not affiliated with the United States government. Facts and figures were deemed accurate as of January 2012. © 2012 New York Mint
Visit our web site at www.newyorkmint.com
Managing Money
Active vs.Passive Investing By Mark A. Keen, CFP®
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hen it comes to investing, most investors view the return of the stock market as merely average and something that they should be able to beat. It’s the prospect of beating the market that has been the allure of active management and why the majority of investment dollars (by a long shot) are in actively managed funds. However, many studies over the past few decades have concluded that beating the market is something most active funds don’t do. Let’s take a look at the difference between active management and passive investing – specifically, actively managed mutual funds and passively managed index funds. Actively managed mutual funds rely on a manager (or team of managers) who uses analytical research, projections and judgment to make decisions on what securities to buy, sell or hold. The objective is to outperform the market or market segment by predicting the future direction of individual stocks, sectors or markets. On the other hand, a passive index fund is designed to track the return generated by the market or market segment. The objective of an index fund is not to outperform the market but to equal the performance. When investing in the market, or a segment of the market, investors may choose to invest in either an actively managed fund or an index fund. For example, let’s assume that two investors decide to invest in large U.S. companies. One investor decides to invest in the Fairholme Fund, an actively managed fund, because of its stellar, historical track record. Alternatively, the passive
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investor is satisfied with earning a return equal to what the market provides and decides to invest in an index mutual fund that tracks the performance of large U.S. companies. Examples include the Vanguard 500 Index Fund and the C Fund in the Thrift Savings Plan. Many perceive the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index as “the market.” But in reality, it predominantly represents only one segment of the market – large
according to 13 major market segments (large U.S. companies, midsize U.S. companies, small U.S. companies, etc.) and compared their performance to their equivalent index. The results didn’t bode well for active managers. In all but two segments, the majority of active managers failed to beat their benchmarks over the one-year period ending December 31, 2010. And over the 10-year period, the majority of ac-
ACTIVELY MANAGED mutual funds rely on a manager who uses research,projections and judgment to make decisions on what to buy,sell or hold. U.S. companies. Examples of other market segments include small companies, midsize companies and international companies. As in the previous example, investors may use actively managed mutual funds or index funds to invest in these market segments. Advocates of actively managed strategies argue that managers can apply their knowledge and skill to enhance returns and reduce risk. But when performance results are put to the test, the data confirm that most active managers typically fail to add value. In fact, based on data from the Survivor-Bias-Free US Mutual Fund Database, which is produced by the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP), the majority of actively managed funds failed to outperform their respective benchmarks over one-, three-, five- and 10-year return periods, ending December 31, 2010. The analysis grouped mutual funds
tive managers failed to beat their benchmarks in all 13 segments. Averaging all 13 segments together, the percentage of active managers failing to beat their benchmarks for the oneyear period was 68 percent; for the five-year period, 68 percent; and for the 10-year period, 77 percent. Despite the fact that most funds fail to beat their benchmark, many investors still view index returns as only average and believe that they can still beat market returns by picking “best in class” managers. After all, according to the data, almost a quarter of all funds did beat their benchmark over 10 years, so you only need to identify which ones do, and you’re good to go. However, numerous studies have shown past performance is not a predictor or indicator of future performance. Hence, the required disclosure that must go on all mutual fund advertisements: “Past performance is no MAY 2012 | NARFE
Mark A. Keen, CFP®, is president and owner of Bennett Financial Advisors, 3600 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax,VA, and an investment adviser representative and registered principal of The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA). Securities and advisory services are offered through SFA. Email: mkeen@tributaryadvisors.com. NARFE | MAY 2012
ith powe r and more clarit y!
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“Reading glasses for your ears” Perfect Choice HD is NOT a hearing aid. Hearing aids can only be sold by an audiologist. In order to get a hearing aid, you had to go to the doctor’s office for a battery of tests and numerous fitting appointments. Once they had you tested and fitted, you would have to pay as much as $5000 for the product. Now, thanks to the efforts of the doctor who leads a renowned hearing
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ear… only you’ll know you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have something stuck in your ear. It provides high quality audio so sounds and conversations Perfect Choice HD vs Traditional Hearing Aids will be easier to hear Perfect Choice HD Traditional Hearing Aids and understand.
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institute, there is Perfect Choice HD. It’s designed to accurately amplify sounds and deliver them to your ear. Because we’ve developed an efficient production process, we can make a great product at an affordable price. The unit has been designed to have an easily accessible battery, but it is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your
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Try it for yourself with our exclusive Few home trial. Some Few people need hearing aids but many just Yes need the extra boost as much as $5000 in volume that a PSAP gives them. We rarely want you to be happy with Perfect Choice HD, so we are offering to let you try it for yourself. If you are not totally satisfied with this product, simply return it within 60 days for a refund of the full product purchase price. Don’t wait… don’t miss out on another conversation… call now!
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guarantee of future results.” One study (using the CRSP Survivor-Bias-Free US Mutual Fund Database) analyzed the 1,135 U.S. equity funds that had a complete 10-year return history for the period ending December 31, 2010. The study grouped the funds within their market segment and then ranked them according to their cumulative performance for the five-year period ending December 31, 2005. The top quartile (top 25 percent of funds based on performance) were then analyzed to see how they fared in the following five-year period ending December 31, 2010. Of the 284 funds in the top quartile, only 19 percent remained in the top quartile, 14 percent of the funds dropped to the second quartile, 12 percent fell to the third quartile and 17 percent dropped to the bottom quartile. A whopping 19 percent didn’t survive the entire period. Numerous studies by both academics and investment professionals have shown that the majority of actively managed funds do not outperform the markets over the long run. And although there will be funds that do beat the market, there’s no way of knowing which ones will do so ahead of time. For this reason, many academic institutions, Nobelists in economics and even successful investors, such as Warren Buffet and Peter Lynch, have suggested most investors would be better off owning passively managed index funds.
The invention of the year is great news for your ears Perfect Choice HD™ is easy to use, hard NEW Now w to see and costs far less than hearing aids…
29
LiveWell
Radiation Therapy for Cancer By Marilyn S. Radke, M.D.
R
adiation therapy is the use of high-energy radiation (X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons and protons) to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. About half of all cancer patients receive some type of radiation therapy as part of their treatment. External-beam radiation therapy uses a machine that rotates around the body to aim high-energy rays at the cancer from outside the body. External-beam radiation therapy usually is given in daily treatment sessions over the course of several weeks. It does not make the patient radioactive. Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) uses radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires or catheters placed inside or on the body, and directly into or near the tumor. It may be able to deliver higher doses of radiation to some cancers than external-beam radiation therapy while causing less damage to healthy tissue. Brachytherapy may be given alone or in addition to external-beam radiation therapy. During brachytherapy, the patient is radioactive while the radioactive material is inside the body. The patient may stay in the hospital in a special room that shields other people from the radiation until the radioactive material is removed. If the brachytherapy materials will be left in the body permanently, the patient’s contact with
30
children and pregnant women may be restricted for a few days or weeks until the radioactive materials decay completely and no longer give off radiation. When the brachytherapy materials are no longer radioactive, they will cause no harm or discomfort if left in the body. Systemic radiation therapy uses radioactive substances, given by mouth or injected into a vein, that travel in the blood to tissues throughout the body. This may make a patient’s bodily fluids (saliva, urine, sweat or stool) radioactive. Patients may need to limit their contact with other people, especially children and pregnant women, during this time. Radioactive iodine is a type of systemic radiation therapy used to treat certain thyroid cancers because thyroid cells naturally take up radioactive iodine. Systemic radiation therapy drugs may be used to treat certain cancers or to relieve pain from cancer that has spread to the bone (bone metastases). Sometimes radiation therapy is intended to cure cancer by eliminating a tumor, preventing cancer from recurring or both. In this way, radiation therapy may be given alone or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy or both. Radiation therapy may be given before, during or after surgery. The timing depends on the type of cancer being treated and whether the treatment goal is to cure the cancer or to relieve its symptoms.
When a cure is not possible, radiation therapy may be used to shrink a tumor in order to reduce pressure and relieve symptoms caused by cancer. In such cases, radiation therapy can treat pain, maintain a patient’s ability to eat and drink, or prevent blindness or loss of bowel and bladder control. Radiation therapy kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA beyond repair so they stop dividing and die. It takes days or weeks of treatment before cancer cells begin to die, and they continue to die for weeks or months after radiation therapy ends. In addition to killing cancer cells, radiation therapy also can damage nearby healthy cells, leading to side effects. Early (acute) side effects may occur during radiation therapy, including: • Skin irritation; • Fatigue; • Salivary gland damage; • Hair loss;
RADIATION THERAPY is the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
To Learn More
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or more information, write to the National Cancer Institute, Office of Communications and Education, Public Inquiries Office,6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20892-8322; or call 800-422-6237;or visit the website at www.cancer.gov.
MAY 2012 | NARFE
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va G REE lue IF da T t$ 35
Marilyn S. Radke, M.D., is board certified in preventive medicine and practices in Atlanta, GA.
NARFE’s 32nd National Convention August 26-30 / Reno-Sparks,NV Registration is open now! See pp.40-43 NARFE | MAY 2012
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• Urinary problems; and • Nausea and vomiting. The following late (chronic) side effects may occur: • Scar tissue (fibrosis); • Bowel damage causing diarrhea and bleeding; • Memory loss; • Infertility; and • Secondary cancer caused by radiation exposure. A radiation oncologist is a physician who specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy. Other involved health care providers include nurses, radiation therapists (positions the patient and runs the machines), dietitians, physical therapists and social workers. The type of radiation therapy prescribed depends on: • The type and size of the cancer; • The location of the cancer in the body and proximity to healthy tissues that are sensitive to radiation; • The distance the radiation needs to travel into the body; • The patient’s age, medical history, general health and other medical conditions; and • The plans for other types of cancer treatment. If radiation therapy is part of your care and treatment, be sure to discuss your treatment plan, necessary precautions and follow-up care with your radiation oncologist.
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Copyright © 2012 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Civil Service Career Coach
Leave or Stay? What to Consider By Dale S. Brown
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hat should you do if your agency receives Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or if it offers you an incentive package to voluntarily leave the government? Many federal agencies are using early retirement offers and buyouts to reshape their organizations, save money and avoid the unpleasantness of layoffs. The “Buyout Watch” of Government Executive magazine says that the Department of Agriculture, Air Force, Postal Service, Department of Education, Federal Trade Commission, Government Printing Office and other agencies have already implemented such programs. Voluntary Early Retirement Authority allows agencies to temporarily lower the age and service requirements to make more employees eligible for retirement. The Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment Authority, also known as buyout authority, allows agencies to offer employees lump-sum payments, which can be up to $25,000, to leave the government or retire. Bob Davidson, an independent financial planner with BDA Financial LLC, points out that, after taxes are taken out, the net on a $25,000 lump sum will be around $18,000 for many people. For a Federal Employees Retirement System participant retiring at age 57 rather than 64, for example, the reduction in annuity could well exceed $100,000 if they live to their life expectancy of 87, Davidson estimates. Agency human resource offices can provide employees with an estimate of their annuities. In addition, NARFE’s
Federal Benefits Service Department is an excellent source of answers to employees’ questions. However, many civil servants find that dollars and cents are only one part of the decision. The Civil Service Career Coach interviewed Frank Reeder, a Partnership for Public Service Excellence in Government Fellows coach, who has helped hundreds of federal employees with their careers.
THE FIRST QUESTION is whether or not a layoff is looming. Is this an offer you can’t refuse?
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RESEARCHING THE SITUATION The first and most obvious question is whether or not a layoff is looming. In other words, Reeder says, “Is this an offer you can’t refuse?” To figure this out, he says you should listen to your agency leadership. “What are they saying about your program? Look at the agency’s budget. The numbers are a pretty good clue. If you don’t know how to read the numbers, find someone who does.” Consider talking to your manager. “Checking is a delicate matter,” Reeder points out. Whether or not you want to have such a conversation depends on your relationship with your boss. Reeder recommends open-ended questions, such as, “Our office has been offered early retirement authority. What do you think I should do?” Or, “I hadn’t thought about retirement before. How
should I make this decision?” Then read his or her reaction carefully, being particularly sensitive to body language. Your boss might say, “You really ought to think about it. It’s an opportunity for you.” These words might be his or her way of telling you that your boss believes it is time for you to leave, Reeder says. Most likely, you will get a noncommittal answer. Reeder says you should not put your manager on the spot. Avoid asking for a promise that your boss might be unwilling or unable to make. For example, you wouldn’t want to ask the manager directly if he or she thinks you have a future in the organization. Trusted colleagues can also help, Reeder advises. Because you have a good relationship with them, you can ask direct questions about their understanding of the situation. You can also make inquiries that might lead to a job elsewhere in the agency. You could say something, such as, “I love what we do here. But my program is under siege. What is going on in your part of the agency? Do you think there are opportunities for people with my skill set?”
DECIDING WHAT YOU WANT TO DO After you do your research, you might conclude that you need to go. Or you might recognize that you could stay and be productive. In that case, Reeder suggests asking yourself, “Is this where I want to be? Or is this my MAY 2012 | NARFE
Technology Breakthrough
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Dale S. Brown, nationally recognized for her contributions during her 25 years in the civil service, is the author of five books, including one co-authored with Richard Nelson Bolles, author of What Color Is Your Parachute? Email: civilservice coach@yahoo.com.
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NARFE | MAY 2012
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opportunity to jump off this train and find a new one?” He points out that you probably have a lot of productive years left. “So you should consciously decide – is this job giving me satisfaction? If not, ask yourself, ‘Can I take that pension and do something else?’” He suggests visualizing the mark that you want to leave. “It might be writing policy papers or building houses for Habitat for Humanity.” “Don’t confuse public service with being on the public payroll,” he says. “There are a lot of paid and volunteer opportunities out there. Your career in public service doesn’t have to end when you take a pension.”
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Questions & Answers NOTE: The following Questions & Answers were compiled by Federal Benefits Service Department staff. The answers are not universal and may include information that is relevant to the correspondent’s particular situation. NARFE does not provide legal advice or assistance, does not provide financial planning advice or assistance, and does not provide tax advice or assistance. For legal, financial planning or tax advice/assistance, NARFE recommends members contact an attorney, financial planner or certified public accountant/tax adviser.
RETIREES SPOUSAL SS BENEFITS QUESTION: My spouse and I both worked under Social Security. He is currently receiving benefits,but I want to wait until age 70 so the delayed retirement credits will make my benefits higher. I was told that,when I reach full retirement age (66) later this year, I can apply for benefits as a spouse. Is this correct? Response: Yes. If you are between full retirement age and age 70, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can choose to file and receive benefits on just your spouse’s Social Security record. If you only collect benefits as a spouse, you can continue to earn delayed retirement credits up until age 70. Note that Civil Service Retirement System retirees are subject to the Government Pension Offset, which may eliminate any benefits that you could receive from your spouse.
REMARRIAGE & BENEFITS QUESTION: Would my survivor ben-
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efits continue if I remarry? I also have a pension based on my own federal work record. Would that be affected if I remarry?What regulations pertain to this subject? Response: If you are receiving a federal survivor benefit, you can remarry after age 55 and continue to receive your survivor benefit. If the marriage on which your survivor benefit is based lasted 30 years, your survivor benefit would continue, even if you are not age 55 at remarriage. This information is in Section 8341, Title 5, U.S. Code. Your own earned federal pension would not be affected if you remarry, although you may want to elect to provide a survivor benefit for your new spouse. This election must be received by the Office of Personnel Management within two years of the remarriage. However, if you are sure you want to elect the survivor benefit, the election can be made at the time of the remarriage. The election of survivor benefits is effective after nine months of remarriage. If, on the day of your death, you are enrolled in family coverage under your Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) health plan and have a survivor benefit in some amount, your spouse would be eligible to continue FEHBP coverage as a survivor annuitant. Otherwise, your federal retirement benefit does not change.
have federal taxes withheld or to change your original withholding request, you will need to: • Complete Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form W-4V; • Select the percentage (7, 10, 15 or 25) of your monthly benefit amount that you want withheld; and • Sign and return the form to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. You can download IRS form W-4V from the IRS website at www.irs.gov/ pub/irs-pdf/fw4v.pdf or by calling 800829-3676. You also can get the form by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-3250778).
FERS DISABILITY QUESTION:I recently retired on disability under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with 21 years of service. Although I was age 59 when I applied, by the time I had appealed the initial denial and been approved, I was 19 days past my 60th birthday. The literature provided by the Office of Personnel Management on FERS disability retirement says that retirees under age 62 have their annuity provided under the 60 percent, then the 40 percent,formula. When I finally received the booklet outlining my specific benefits,my monthly payment reflected what I would receive on a regular retirement. I did not receive a disability computation.
QA &
SS & FEDERAL TAXES QUESTION: How do I have income tax withheld from my Social Security payment? Response: Although you are not required to have federal taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you may find that it is easier than paying quarterly estimated tax payments. To
Response: According to FERS regulations, you may not receive a disability computation if you are eligible for voluntary retirement at the time of separation from federal employment. You are eligible for voluntary retirement at age MAY 2012 | NARFE
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Questions & Answers 60, with at least 20 years of creditable federal service.
INTERIM PAY & TAXES
NARFE SERVICE OFFICERS are available to answer questions and to assist in helping with a variety of benefit matters. Check your chapter newsletter for the name and phone number of your service officer. Call NARFE toll-free at
800-456-8410 for the nearest service officer. NARFE Service Centers are also available in some areas. Use the Service Center listings on the NARFE website, www.narfe.org.
QUESTION: I am currently in interim pay status and believe that it will be several months before my retirement claim is finalized. Am I responsible for paying state taxes while in interim pay?
arate?
Response: The Office of Personnel Management withholds only federal taxes while you are receiving interim pay. You are responsible for paying your state taxes. You may want to pay these on a quarterly basis. Check with your state tax office for information and assistance.
Response: There is no reduction for age if the employee retires under FERS on an early out unless there is a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) component. The CSRS portion of the benefit will be reduced by one-sixth of 1 percent for each full month the retiree is under age 55.
TSP ROLLOVER
RETIREMENT DATE
QUESTION: I retired in January and left all of my money in my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account.I will need to make the required minimum distribution (RMD) because I will soon turn age 70-1/2.But I want to roll over the TSP money into an individual retirement account (IRA).Can I do this?
QUESTION: I plan to retire under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) in August. The pay period ends on August 4,and I plan to retire at the close of business on August 3, after working my full 80 hours for the pay period. If I work on August 3 and retire on that day, would I be able to collect a retirement payment forAugust? Would I get the full amount of my annual/sick leave earned for that pay period,even though I retired a day before the pay period ended?
Response: The TSP will roll over the money into an IRA. However, Internal Revenue Service law requires that the TSP withhold the RMD for 2012 before distribution of your account. The TSP would not have withheld the RMD if you had requested the rollover before the year you turned age 70-1/2. Note that your IRA is subject to the same RMD.
EARLY OUT AND FERS
Response: Make sure your retirement date is August 3 and not August 4. Under the CSRS, as long as you separate by August 3, your annuity can begin to accrue on August 4. If the agency separates you on August 4, your annuity cannot begin to accrue until September 1. You will earn leave for the pay period ending August 4 because you will have been paid for (and worked) your full 80 hours.
QUESTION:I am covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System and am considering taking an early out. Will my annuity be reduced since I will be under age 55 when I sep-
FERS SUPPLEMENT QUESTION: I am under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and qualify for the FERS An-
ACTIVE EMPLOYEES
36
nuity Supplement.My agency told me that this won’t be paid while I am receiving interim payments. When my claim is finalized,will the FERSAnnuity Supplement be retroactive to January 1 when I got my first retirement payment? I will turn age 62 on November 3 and will be applying for Social Security benefits. Will my last FERS Annuity Supplement be in my November 1 retirement payment,or will it be in the October 1 payment? Response: Yes. The FERS Annuity Supplement would be retroactive and would commence with your FERS benefits on December 1. It is payable through the earlier of the last day of the month in which you become age 62 or the last day of the month before the first month for which you would, upon proper application, be entitled to Social Security benefits. If your 62nd birthday is November 3, the FERS Annuity Supplement would stop October 31. You would receive your last supplement payment in your November 1 payment.
TSP ROLLOVER QUESTION: My spouse and I have Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts. When one of us dies,would it be possible to roll over theTSP money to the living spouse’sTSP account,or would the account have to be rolled over to an individual retirement account? Response: If the deceased TSP participant were married to another TSP participant, the surviving spouse could roll MAY 2012 | NARFE
Make the right decision at the right time. over the TSP funds to his or her TSP account.
PART-TIME & FEHBP QUESTION: My daughter worked for the federal government for 10 years and then separated from service.If she goes back to work as a part-time employee, would she be eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)? Response: If she becomes a part-time career employee working 16 to 32 hours a week, or 32 to 64 hours biweekly, she is entitled to FEHBP coverage, with a partial government contribution in proportion to the number of hours she is scheduled to work in a pay period. The amount of the government contribution is determined by dividing the number of hours she is scheduled to work during the pay period by the number of hours worked by a full-time employee, normally 80. That percentage is then applied to the government contribution. If she becomes eligible for retirement, her annuity would be decreased because of this service. The decrease would be based upon the hours she actually worked divided by full-time hours.
DIVORCE & FEHBP QUESTION:Can Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) coverage be continued for a spouse and/or children of a retired person after a divorce or legal separation? If so,what is the proper procedure? Is a survivor annuity assigned as a beneficiary annuity,or is it available only to a surviving spouse? Response: Until a divorce is final, FEHBP coverage for a spouse can continue. A legal separation is not a divorce. Once a divorce is final, the spouse is no longer covered under the annuitant’s family FEHBP coverage. The spouse may be NARFE | MAY 2012
NARFE offers an online retirement calculator and other financial planning tools for members only. Find out more about this membership benefit at www.narfe.org.
able to enroll in his or her own right, if there is a court order to apportion the annuitant’s retirement benefit and/or provide a former spouse with a survivor annuity. Unless these are the annuitant’s stepchildren, their coverage is unaffected by a divorce. While an annuitant can ordinarily change from family to self-only at any time, he or she may be required by the court to continue the family coverage for the unmarried, dependent children until they reach age 26. The survivor annuity elected at re-
tirement must continue until a divorce is final. At that time, the annuitant may elect to continue the benefit voluntarily for the former spouse, or he or she may be directed to do so in the court order as part of the divorce. If no such election is made, and there is no court order to continue it, the survivor’s reduction is discontinued upon written notice, supported by a certified copy of the divorce decree, to the Office of Personnel Management. Should the annuitant later remarry, he or she
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Questions & Answers may again elect a survivor annuity for the new spouse, as well as FEHBP coverage. The survivor annuity may not be reassigned to anyone else.
MAXIMUM ANNUITY? QUESTION:I started working for the federal government more than 44 years ago and am covered under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). I plan to retire next month, and my agency told me that I couldn’t receive more than 80 percent of my high-three average salary,which covers 41 years and 11 months of service. Is this correct? Will I lose all of my sick leave upon retirement since I am limited to 80 percent of my high-three salary? If I am getting credit only for 41 years and 11 months of service,I don’t understand why payroll continues to
38
place 7 percent of my salary into the retirement fund. Response: Your agency is correct. A CSRS annuity may not exceed 80 percent of the high-three average salary. (There is no maximum annuity for Federal Employees Retirement System employees.) But there is good news about your sick leave. Normally, the maximum CSRS annuity is based upon 41 years and 11 months of service. But you may use your sick leave to extend your length of service. For example, if you have 2,087 hours (one year) of sick leave, you would receive an additional 2 percent of your high-three average salary, or 82 percent. The exact amount of retirement deductions withheld from basic pay is set by law. The Office of Personnel Management will give you the option of re-
ceiving a refund of your excess retirement contributions, plus interest, or you can elect to receive a supplemental annuity, as you do not owe any deposits for nondeduction service or redeposit for refunded service. The supplemental annuity is based upon the formula used to compute voluntary contributions, which is an additional $7 for each $100 of retirement contributions, plus 20 cents for each full year the retiree is over age 55 at the time the annuity begins.
To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, call 703-838-7760 and ask for the Federal Benefits Service Department; send your question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to retbenefits@narfe.org.
MAY 2012 | NARFE
NARFE: Our Best Bet for the Future
32nd National Convention RENO-SPARKS, NV AUG 26-30, 2012
Lunch and Learn Poll
N
ARFE plans to offer “Lunch and Learn” sessions from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday of convention week. Lunches will be available. To determine the size of the meeting rooms necessary for each session, NARFE is asking delegates who are interested in attending the sessions to complete the form on this page and mail it to NARFE Headquarters or to complete the form online. Delegates can attend only one session each day. Convention planning continues with an optional tour of the National Automobile Museum offered. Please see registration form on p. 43.
LUNCH AND LEARN SESSIONS DELEGATES, please check the sessions you plan to attend and mail to National Secretary, NARFE, 606 N.Washington St., Alexandria,VA 22314, or go online to www.narfe.org,sign in,click on the Convention logo and then click on“Convention Registration & Materials” at the top of the page.
WEDNESDAY (Select One) ■ How to sell NARFE to prospective members. How do we sell NARFE? How do we effectively tell our story and become spokespersons for NARFE? ■ Communicating as it applies to volunteer organizations. Learn how to engage members and prospective members in the conversation about NARFE.
THURSDAY (Select One) ■ Motivation: How does this relate to NARFE? Learn how motivational techniques can help NARFE thrive. ■ Direct-marketing super hints revealed. Learn about tried-and-true direct-marketing tenets and how NARFE is incorporating some of these solutions to build a successful marketing strategy. Name: Chapter:
CONVENTION DEADLINES The following deadlines have been established for the 2012 Convention.Details on all of these deadlines and other convention information are available at www.narfe.org. Sign in as a member and click on the 2012 Convention logo. Candidate Statements: Deadline is May 1 for July issue (this is the final opportunity) Resolutions: No later than May 15
40
HOTEL RESERVATIONS Hotel reservations may be made by phone with the convention hotel (to get the NARFE rate,you must mention the NARFE Convention) or online at www.januggetsecure.com/jump/1190/.
JOHN ASCUAGA’S NUGGET CASINO RESORT 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks, NV 89431 800-648-1177 - www.janugget.com HOTEL RATE: $95 single/double + 13.5% county tax. Triple and quad occupancy rates are an additional $10 per person over the quoted rate. Rates apply three days before and three days after the arrival and departure dates, based on availability.
Delegate Form: June 30
PARKING: Valet and self-parking;rate included in the $3 per room per night resort fee.
Proxy Form: August 11 Registration: Postmarked by August 2
RESERVATION CUTOFF DATE: July 20 CHECK-IN: 3 p.m. / CHECK-OUT: 11a.m.
MAY 2012 | NARFE
Online Registration Is Available at www.narfe.org. Sign in and click on the Convention logo.
NARFE 2012 NATIONAL CONVENTION PREREGISTRATION FORM NARFE ID #:
32ND NATIONAL CONVENTION August 26-30, 2012 PLEASE CHECK: ■ (Guest) Member ■ (Guest) Nonmember
Name:
■ Delegate* ■ Delegate-at-Large* ■ Alternate*
*NOTE: This is NOT a voter registration form. Voter registration is confirmed by your chapter on Form C/12-2.
Address:
Mail Preregistration Form to: NARFE, Treasurer’s Office 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914
Name for badge: Chapter #:
■ A nonrefundable fee of $65 (payable to NARFE) must accompany this form. ■ Onsite registration fee will be $80 in Reno-Sparks. ■ Each attendee must complete a separate registration form. ■ Form must be postmarked by August 2, 2012.
Location:
■ Charge to my credit card
Notify in case of emergency:
Card type: ■ MasterCard ■ Visa ■ Discover ■ AMEX
Name:
Card# __________________________________________ Phone Number:
Expiration Date_______ / _______ (mm) / (yy)
Name on card (Print) _______________________________ Signature ________________________ Date __________
Form C/12-4
BANQUET RESERVATION FORM August 30, 2012
32ND NATIONAL CONVENTION August 26-30, 2012 ■ Tables will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Tables seat 10 people. ■ RESERVATIONS LIMITED TO 2,000 PEOPLE. ■ Groups wishing to sit together should submit only one request specifying number of seats desired. Please attach name list. ■ A receipt will be mailed to you by August 2 acknowledging payment and showing your table assignment. ■ All banquet tickets will be held for pickup at the convention registration area at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort. ■ BANQUET REFUNDS AVAILABLE ONLY IF RESERVATIONS ARE CANCELLED 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE BANQUET.
NARFE ID #: Name: Address:
Chapter #: Nonmember Guest: Please reserve _____ tickets at $50 each, total $_____.
■ Charge to my credit card Card type: ■ MasterCard ■ Visa ■ Discover ■ AMEX
Make check payable to NARFE and send to: NARFE, Treasurer’s Office 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914
Card# __________________________________________ Expiration Date_______ / _______ (mm) / (yy)
Name on card (Print) _______________________________ Signature ________________________ Date __________
Form C/12-16
Chapter Voting Strength NARFE will mail each chapter a package of registration material that includes the number of votes each chapter is authorized to cast at the National Convention. Each chapter is entitled to one vote for each 50 members or fraction thereof. Chapters: Please make sure that your voice is heard by
completing form C/12-2, “Designation of Voting Representative, Delegates, Alternates, or Proxy.” The deadline for identifying delegates and alternates is June 30; for proxies, August 11. Delegates may serve as proxies for up to three chapters.
NARFE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION FORM National Automobile Museum Dinner Wednesday, August 29, 2012 Your event will be held at the William F. Harrah National Automobile Museum. Experience the 1930’s street, the 1950’s street, the turn-of-the-century street and the modern street – you get the picture! The museum itself provides something few other facilities can: a stunning display of more than 200 antique, vintage, classic and special-interest automobiles, all in an exciting, dynamic, contemporary location. A no-host bar will be available. Price includes transportation to and from Museum, Admission to Museum and Dinner Buffet Reception. Dinner Buffet will include: Salad, Italian Sausage & Mushroom Lasagne, Three Cheese Tortellini, vegetables, cookies, coffee and tea. Cost: $70 per person. Motor coaches will load guests at the 11th Street bus entrance of John Ascuaga’s Nugget at 5:30 p.m. Event Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Three Ways to Register:
Send registration to:
1 Visit www.conventionactivities.com and complete registration online. 2 Complete registration form below and mail to address on right. 3 Complete registration form below and fax to number on right. Full payment must be received to confirm your registration. Confirmation will be sent via email or post. Telephone reservations will not be accepted. Convention Activities reserves the right to cancel event and refund the event price due to lack of registration. No other refunds will be allowed.
Convention Activities 16 Hardy Drive Sparks, NV 89431 775-786-8687 Fax: 775-358-0254 Email: tsireno@aol.com
Registration must be received by August 3, 2012 Name:__________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
City:______________________________
State: _________________
ZIP: ______________________
National Automobile Museum Event:
Email address: __________________________________________
Please find my check enclosed payable to Convention Activities Please charge to my credit card Credit Card Information Type: MasterCard Visa AMEX
Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012 6-9 p.m. Number of Guests: _______
Credit Card #: ____________________________________________________________
($70/each)
Name on Card: ___________________________________________________________
Total Due: _______________ NOTE: A 3% service charge will be imposed for all credit card orders.
NARFE | MAY 2012
Expiration Date: _____ / ______
Signature: _______________________________________________________________ Date:
43
Report From the Regions Confronting Concerns By Donald Stewart Region III Regional Vice President dejs33149@aol.com
F
ederal annuitants are attacked over their earnedand-paid-for benefits, but, generally, retirees have survived the legislative onslaught with minimal effect – so far. But current federal employees’ wages have been frozen – and that freeze likely will be extended. Cost-of-living adjustments and our share of health insurance premiums will be the next target. We know we must share in the sacrifices, but
sacrifices should be shared fairly and equitably by all sectors. NARFE has confronted the attacks with its “Protect America’s Heartbeat” campaign. Members have responded by contacting their senators and representatives, and emphasizing fair and equitable treatment, in addition to giving generous financial support for implementing the campaign. Another concern is NARFE’s declining membership. National Secretary Elaine Hughes introduced the 2012 Membership Marketing Plan to end membership losses and turn the membership trajectory up instead of down. We must devote the same aggressive effort to recruiting, retaining and reinstating members as we have to our Protect America’s
Heartbeat campaign. The efforts are intertwined. Legislation is our prime mission, but we need a strong membership base for credibility and clout when we approach our congressional representatives and senators. Declining membership gives the wrong message. It says that we do not care about the benefits we worked and paid for during service to our country. Membership in NARFE is an investment, not an expense! A strong Protect America’s Heartbeat campaign with a strong Membership Marketing Plan will ensure equitable treatment, as we do our fair share to help resolve the economic crisis. We need strong grass-roots support to protect what we rightfully earned. ■
NARFE National Life Membership Application National Life Membership offers a hedge against future dues increases and affirms a member’s ongoing support of NARFE’s mission to serve federal employees and retirees. National dues are paid for life; applicable chapter dues are billed annually. Life Membership Fee Schedule
Membership Information
Contact Information
Ages
(Active NARFE members)
Member Number:_______________________
Full Name: Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Street Address
Single or Quarterly Payment Installments
Apt./Unit
City/State/ZIP
Email Address
30-39 $1,796 40-40 1,408 (New members) Membership is open to civilians in 1,127 any agency of the federal or D.C. (before Oct. 1, 1987) 51-55 56-60 960 governments eligible for a federal annuity. 61-65 801 Check one: 66-70 653 Retiree Active federal employee 71-75 514 Spouse Former federal employee 76-80 392 Former spouse Survivor 81-90 251 91-100+ 127
Payment Information Single payment
or
$450.25 353.25 283.00 241.25 201.50 164.50 129.75 99.25 64.00 33.00
Quarterly Installments (4 payments)
Life Membership fee amount: $____________
Date of Birth
Recruiter’s ID # (if applicable)
Credit card
Check or money order (payable to NARFE)
Credit Card Info: MasterCard
Discover
Visa
AMEX
Card Number:______________________________ Exp. Date:_____/_____ Chapter Number (call 800-456-8410 for chapter information)
Name on Card: (print) ___________________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________ Date:______________
Thank you for becoming a National Member for Life. You will receive a membership card, certificate and special lapel pin. Please allow six weeks for processing. Dues payments & gift contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.
Mail application and payment to: NARFE, Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
44
MAY 2012 | NARFE
NARFE News Bridget A.Boel Named NARFE Director of Membership
B
Sabatier Consulting in ridget A. Boel has Fairfax County, VA. Prior to been named to that, she was director of the position of publishing and marketing NARFE director of memfor the National Headstart bership. She assumes Association. many of the duties forShe also held several pomerly performed by John sitions with Time Life, Inc., Clements, director of including senior vice presimembership development, dent, new markets for Time who retired February 29 Life Books; senior vice presafter 12 years with NARFE. ident of Time-Life Kids; and Boel brings an extendirector, subscriber marsive background in marBridget A. Boel keting. keting and membership to She is a graduate of the University of the position. Since 2008, she has been senior marketing consultant with Massachusetts. ■
Take Note! f it hasn’t already, the NARFE Spring Note Card collection will be arriving in members’ mailboxes soon. “This year,the cards will feature photos taken by NARFE members, similar to the great photos included each year in the NARFE Photo Contest Calendar,” said Chuck Timanus,director of public relations. “We hope you will like the change and use the cards to stay in contact with family and friends.” As always,members who do not want to receive fundraising appeals can email pubrel@narfe.org to be removed from the list.
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45
Out & AW bout ith the Chapters
Oklahoma Federation officers recently met with Sen.Tom Coburn at his office in Tulsa. From left to right: Charles Stanphill, federation president; Jeff Vaughan, past president; Coburn; and James Olden, 1st vp.
Visit our online photo gallery at www.narfe.org. Click on NARFE magazine.
NARFE members met with Sen. Joe Manchin following his Town Hall Meeting at the Morgan County (WV) Courthouse. From left to right: Dan Duckwall, NARFE District V vp; Iris Duckwall, president of Morgan County Chapter 2263; Manchin; Phil Spriggs, Chapter 2263 1st vp/legislative officer; Clara Weston, Chapter 2263 secretary; and Coy Rahman, Chapter 2263 past president.
To submit a photo: Email it to rl@narfe.org or send it by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Out & About.
Passages
AL HIPPERT FORMER REGION VIII VICE PRESIDENT
WILFRED H. ‘WILLIE’ MIDDENDORF PAST MINNESOTA FEDERATION PRESIDENT
W
ilfred H.“Willie” Middendorf of Melrose, MN, past president of the Minnesota Federation, died January 22.He was the former postmaster of Melrose.He also was active in postal and community organizations. NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research:
A
l Hippert of Grass Valley, CA, who was Region VIII vice president from 1994-2000, died January 21. He was president of the California Federation in 1991-92 and was active in Grass Valley Chapter 1335. He retired in 1980 as senior ordnance engineer at the Shipbuilding and Repair Office in San Francisco.
SUPPORT ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH
$10 Million Fund
$9,634,874* *Total as of February 29, 2012 100% of all contributed funds go to Alzheimer’s research. If you have any questions, write to: National Committee Chairman Jane Rodgers, P.O. Box 234 Wadesville, IN 47638-0234 Email: ajrodgers@tds.net
Enclosed is my NARFE-Alzheimer’s contribution: $ ___________. Every cent that is contributed is used for research. Please circle:
Mr.
Mrs.
NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research and mail to: Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60601-7633
46
Ms.
Address _____________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State _________ ZIP ______________ Chapter number _______________________ Credit Card Information: ❑ Visa
Your charitable contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Write your chapter number on check; make it payable to:
Miss
Name _______________________________________________________________
❑ MasterCard
❑ Discover
❑ AMEX
Card Number: __________________________________________________________ Expiration Date:________(mm)/_________(yy) 3-Digit Security Code: _________ Name on Card: (print) ___________________________________________________ Signature:_________________________________________ Date: _______________ MAY 2012 | NARFE
Join
NARFE
Who can join?
Today!
To apply:
Membership is open to civilians in any agency of the federal government including: • Retirees • Active federal employees • Spouses and former spouses of active and retired federal employees • Former employees eligible for deferred annuity • Survivors of those eligible to join NARFE
Check out eNAR FE, ou r new electronic m embership option, at www.NAR FE .org
• Complete the application below. • Enclose payment information, bill pay, check or money order payable to NARFE, or request to be billed. • Or go to our website at www.narfe.org. • Or call us at 800-627-3394 and join today!
Enrollment includes membership in a local chapter and the national association, plus a subscription to NARFE’s monthly publication, NARFE magazine.
NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION For Active and Retired Federal Employees 1. Choose all that apply: Retiree Spouse Survivor
Active employee Former spouse Former employee
2. Also enroll my spouse __________________________
www.narfe.org
Contact Information:
Full Name: Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
full name
3. Please enroll me in NARFE chapter ______________
Street Address
4. __________ $45 x __________ Membership Fee # of People Per Person Enrolling
City/State/ZIP
= __________ Total Payment
Total payment (check, bill pay or money order payable to NARFE) Bill me (Membership starts when payment is received) Charge to my credit card The first year membership fee includes national and chapter dues. Credit Card Information: MasterCard Card type: Discover
VISA AMEX
Card No. ___________________________________________
Apt./Unit
Phone Number Email Address Date of Birth Spouse’s Date of Birth (if applicable) Recruiter’s Membership and Chapter Number
Expiration Date ________________ (MM)
(YY)
Name on Card (Print) ________________________________ Signature ____________________________ Date __________
NARFE | MAY 2012
MAIL TO:
NARFE Member Records 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Fax: 703-838-7783
1Q 47
NARFE Perks NARFE Perks are designed to provide NARFE members with a quality option in their search for commonly used products and services. NARFE makes no guarantee on any products and services listed below and encourages its members to shop and compare before making a decision on any financial matter.
MOVING SERVICES
INSURANCE
HEARING BENEFITS
NARFE INSURANCE SERVICES NARFE MEMBER HOMEBENEFITS 1-800-666-9203 http://narfe.myhomebenefits.com • Earn thousands in cash-back rewards when you buy or sell a home* • Shop competitive mortgage rates, receive discounts on closing costs, plus take advantage of your VA Loan Benefits • Receive preferred pricing on interstate moving services with the nation’s most trusted moving company – Allied Van Lines! *State restrictions apply. Call or visit website for details.
BEKINSVAN LINES 1-800-456-6832 (M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT) narfe@bekins.com All NARFE members will receive discounted pricing for all interstate shipments. Discount will apply to packing and moving services and valuation protection. All intrastate shipments, locals and international moves will be competitive in cost based on your geographical location. Mention you are a NARFE member and transportation agreement #00930.
VACATION RENTALS
EndlessVacation Rentals® As a member of NARFE, you will receive 10% off the “Best Available Rate” at vacation rental properties booked at www.evrentals.com/narfe or by calling 1877-670-7088, prompt 3, and providing promotion code 20672 at time of booking.
48
1-800-233-5764 Designed and administered by Marsh U.S. Consumer, a service of Seabury & Smith, Inc., exclusively for NARFE members: Senior Whole Life, Term Life, Medicare Supplements, Hospital Income Plan, Short Term Recovery Insurance, Pet Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Cancer Care, Enhanced Dental Insurance and Long Term Care. Go to www.narfeinsurance.com for more information on these programs.
GEICO:1-800-368-2734 NARFE members with good driving records may be eligible for quality automobile insurance from GEICO. Ask about the NARFE discount available to members in many states. Call today for your free, no-obligation rate quote. Be sure to mention that you’re a NARFE member! • Discount amount varies in some states • Discount not available in all states or in all GEICO companies • One group discount applicable per policy.
Two discount programs to choose from: ValueAdd® or MemberPlus®. Similar to a warehouse membership, MemberPlus saves hundreds more for a $108 yearly membership.
MemberPlus also includes: • 45-day, money-back guarantee on membership fee and all purchases • 48 batteries, 3-year warranty, and onetime loss and damage for 3 years (small manufacturer deductible applies) on each purchased hearing aid • Guest membership for up to four extended family members (siblings, parents, etc.) for only $79 each • Combine with an existing health plan hearing benefit to maximize savings Visit TruHearingMemberPlus.com for more information, or call 877-360-2442 Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. East Coast Time
EMERGENCY SERVICES SINCE 1974 1-800-423-3226 Medical Air Services Association has been the industry leader in prepaid emergency assistance services for more than 30 years. NARFE members have experienced MASA’s “peace of mind” services since 2001. Now NARFE members are entitled to even more: air ambulance transportation, helicopter transportation, ground ambulance, vehicle return, mortal remains transport, and much more! Call MASA Today. It Could Save Your Life!
MAY 2012 | NARFE
HOTELS
CAR RENTALS
CREDIT UNION
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL With 6,000 hotels in the United States and throughout the world, Choice Hotels® offers something for everyone. Join the Choice Privileges® rewards program and earn points with every qualifying stay toward free nights, Airline Rewards, gift cards and more. As a NARFE member, receive 20% off your next stay at participating hotels when you use Special Rate ID 00801967. This offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Advance reservations required. To book, visit choicehotels.com or call 800-258-2847.
ALAMO Drive Happy® with Alamo® where NARFE members receive year-round discounts. Call 1-800-462-5266 and reference Contract ID 262544.
NATIONAL You Drive A Hard Bargain. Receive up to 20% off rentals at National Car Rental. To make a reservation call National Car Rental at 1-800-CAR-RENT® and reference Contract ID 5282909.
NARFE’s OFFICIAL CREDIT UNION As a member of NARFE, you have the privilege of joining NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union, which has been serving members since 1935. We offer extensive services at competitive rates to members nationwide. Your savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. For more information, call 800-3281500, e-mail jparish@narfepremierfcu. org or visit us at NARFEpremierfcu.org.
CREDIT CARD AVIS:1-800-331-1441
WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP As a member of NARFE, you will receive up to 20% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating locations when you travel. Call and give agent your special discount ID number, 8000002694, at time of booking to receive discount. Whether you are looking for an upscale hotel, an all-inclusive resort or something more cost-effective, we have the right hotel for you... and at the right price. So start saving now. Call our special memberbenefits hotline 1-877-670-7088 and reserve your room today at one of these fine hotels: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Days Inn®, Ramada Worldwide®, Super 8®, Wingate By Wyndham®, Baymont Inns and Suites®, Hawthorn Suites® By Wyndham, Microtel Inns and Suites®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®.
NARFE | MAY 2012
The employees/owners of Avis offer guaranteed low rates and quality services to members of NARFE. Mention ID# A991900.
HEALTH SCREENING
LIFE LINE SCREENING
Bank of America now offers the officially approved credit card program for NARFE, featuring the Platinum Plus® MasterCard® with WorldPoints. This is the only credit card that helps support NARFE every time you use it to make a purchase–at no additional cost to you. Call toll-free 1-866-438-6262 Use NARFE’s full name, not NARFE. Use priority code: UABEWD.
Life Line Screening, America’s leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will conduct the following screenings using NARFE MERCHANDISE state-of-the-art ultrasound technology NARFE in your neighborhood: GENERAL STORE 1. Stroke/Carotid Artery 2. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 3. Atrial Fibrillation 4. Peripheral Arterial Disease. You will receive a confidential written report within 21 days. Life Line Screening and NARFE encourage you to share Order Official NARFE name badges, these test results with your doctor. All four customizable NARFE logo products screenings cost just $135. To schedule an and plaques. appointment, please call 1-800-324-9906 www.narfegeneralstore.com and give the operator code number: Call toll-free BKHN075 or visit www.lifelinescreening. 855-99NARFE com/NARFE. (855-996-2733) Coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.
49
For the Record The chart below tracks the CPI-W, the monthly inflation change, and the cumulative percentage gain for the next CSRS and Social Security COLA. CPI-W October 2011 November December January 2012 February March April May June July August September
223.043 222.813 222.166 223.216 224.317
MONTHLY % CHANGE % CHANGE FROM 223.2 -0.29 -0.10 -0.29 +0.5 +0.5
Stock Funds Continue Rising ByTracey Ray
A
ll of the stock funds were up in March for the third month in a row, marking the best quarterly start for U.S. equities since 1998. After rising for eight months in a row, the F Fund (a bond fund) was the only fund to decline in March. The U.S. economy seems to have found its footing, and Greece’s debt restructuring was completed with relative calm. Corporate earnings are growing nicely, and the job picture is slowly but steadily improving. Despite rising oil and gasoline prices, stimulus from central banks in the United States and Europe helped push investors out of bonds and into stocks.
Tracey Ray is chief investment officer of the Thrift Savings Plan.
Track the TSP every month in NARFE magazine 50
-0.09 -0.19 -0.48 -0.01 +0.49
Prices Rose in February
T
he Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 0.5 percent in February. To calculate the 2013 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the indices of July, August and September 2012 will be averaged for a thirdquarter determinant, which will be compared with the 2011 thirdquarter base of 223.233. The February index of 224.317 is up 0.49 percent from the base. Benefits awarded under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) to individuals suffering work-related injuries or illnesses are adjusted according to each calendar year’s percentage change in the CPI-W. February’s index is 1.0 percent higher than the December 2011 base index of 222.166. ■
Thrift Savings Plan Investments* Month G Fund 0.25% 2011 April May 0.25% June 0.21% July 0.22% August 0.19% September 0.16% October 0.14% November 0.14% December 0.15% 2012 January 0.13% February 0.12% March 0.14% Last 12 Months 2.11%
F Fund 1.28% 1.31% (0.30%) 1.59% 1.45% 0.73% 0.11% 0.01% 1.01% 0.88% 0.05% (0.61%) 7.75%
C Fund 2.96% (1.13%) (1.67%) (2.04%) (5.44%) (7.03%) 10.93% (0.21%) 1.04% 4.50% 4.34% 3.30% 8.60%
S Fund 2.94% (1.27%) (2.35%) (3.14%) (8.12%) (10.73%) 14.09% (0.51%) (0.04%) 7.59% 3.99% 2.30% 2.40%
Month 2011 April May June July August September October November December 2012 January February March Last 12 Months
L 2020 2.37% (0.74%) (0.84%) (0.94%) (3.69%) (4.73%) 6.18% (0.34%) 0.11% 3.03% 2.53% 1.23% 3.74%
L 2030 2.83% (0.97%) (1.10%) (1.25%) (4.63%) (5.92%) 7.68% (0.49%) 0.09% 3.77% 3.10% 1.49% 3.92%
L 2040 3.20% (1.15%) (1.30%) (1.49%) (5.37%) (6.85%) 8.83% (0.62%) 0.07% 4.34% 3.54% 1.68% 3.95%
L Income 1.01% (0.05%) (0.18%) (0.14%) (1.10%) (1.51%) 2.31% 0.02% 0.20% 1.18% 0.98% 0.54% 3.24%
I Fund 6.03% (2.90%) (1.16%) (1.60%) (9.03%) (10.55%) 9.48% (2.46%) (2.03%) 5.36% 5.14% 0.13% (5.45%) L 2050 3.57 (1.39%) (1.48%) (1.75%) (6.16%) (7.80%) 9.92% (0.78%) (0.01%) 4.87% 3.99% 1.86% 3.62%
*This chart is provided as a service to NARFE members who enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan while employed by the federal government. Retirees are not eligible for enrollment. These returns are net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. Percentages in ( ) are negative. Source: tsp.gov.
MAY 2012 | NARFE
Finally, a cell phone that’s… a phone
e ic ed Pr uc 48 d Re by $
o t N trac n o C
with rates as low as $3.75 per week! “Well, I finally did it. I finally decided to enter the digital age and get a cell phone. My kids have been bugging me, my book group made fun of me, and the last straw was when my car broke down, and I was stuck by the highway for an hour before someone stopped to help. But when I went to the cell phone store, I almost changed my mind. The phones are so small I can’t see the numbers, much less push the right one. They all have cameras, computers and a “global-positioning” something or other that’s supposed to spot me from space. Goodness, all I want to do is to be able to talk to my grandkids! The people at the store weren’t much help. They couldn’t understand why someone wouldn’t want a phone the size of a postage stamp. And the rate plans! They were complicated, confusing, and expensive…and the contract lasted for two years! I’d almost given up until a friend told me about her new Jitterbug® phone. Now, I have the convenience and safety of being able to stay in touch…with a phone I can actually use.” Sometimes I think the people who designed this phone and the rate plans had me in mind. The phone fits easily into my pocket, and flips open to reach from my mouth to my ear. The display is large and backlit, so I can actually see who is calling. With a push of a button I can amplify the volume, and if I don’t know a number, I can simply push “0” for a friendly, helpful operator that will look it up and even dial it for me. The Jitterbug also reduces background noise, making the sound loud and clear. There’s even a dial tone, so I know the phone is ready to use.
Monthly Minutes
Monthly Rate Operator Assistance 911 Access Long Distance Calls Voice Dial Nationwide Coverage Friendly Return Policy1
50
100
$14.99 24/7 FREE No add’l charge FREE Yes 30 days
$19.99 24/7 FREE No add’l charge FREE Yes 30 days
More minute plans available. Ask your Jitterbug expert for details.
locked in for years at a time or subject to termination fees. The U.S. Based customer service is second to none, and the phone gets service virtually anywhere in the country. Call now and receive a FREE gift when you order. Try Jitterbug for 30 days and if you don't love it, just return it1. Why wait, the Jitterbug comes ready to use right out of the box. If you aren’t as happy with it as I am, you can return it for a refund of the purchase price. Call now, the Jitterbug product experts are ready to answer your questions.
Available in Graphite and Red.
Call now and receive a FREE gift just for ordering. Hurry…this is a limited time offer. Call now!
Affordable plans that I can understand – and no contract to sign! Unlike other cell phones, Jitterbug has plans that make sense. Why should I pay for minutes I’m never going to use? And if I do talk more than I plan, I won’t find myself with no minutes like my friend who has a prepaid phone. Best of all, there is no contract to sign – so I’m not
Jitterbug Cell Phone Call today to get your own Jitterbug phone. Please mention promotional code 44503.
1-888-773-7495 www.jitterbugdirect.com 47526
We proudly accept the following credit cards. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc.Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and/or its related entities. Copyright © 2012 GreatCall, Inc. Copyright © 2012 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.
NEW! Khaki
You’ll love the comfort! Waist gives & takes with your every move! Lightweight, quick-dry cotton & polyester! MACHINE WASH & WEAR! • 4 Deep No-Hole pockets • Snap Closure • Indestructible Nylon Zipper Fly • Extra Sturdy Belt Loops • Convenient Golfer’s Locker Loop!
Full Elastic Waist with Front Zipper & Snap Close!
Black
2 Big Side Pockets! 2 Button-Flap Back Pockets!
XS INSEAMS! WAISTS to 60! If you wonder how other men look so good, ask them about Haband! Better yet, see for yourself! Fast, Reliable Service! Hurry!
Blue
Grey
Belt Loops too, including Center Back!
*
Burgundy
pairs for only
Black
3 for 42.97
4 for 55.95
5 for 67.87
Haband #1 Bargain Place, Jessup, PA 18434-1834
Khaki Cadet Blue
FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT, ORDER YOUR USUAL WAIST SIZE! Send _____ shirts & Waists: 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 _____ slacks. I enclose *Big Men ($5 more per pair): 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 $________ purchase Inseams: XS(25-26) S(27-28) M(29-30) L(31-32) price plus $7.99 XL(33-34) (XL inseam available in 32-44 waists only) shipping. In GA add sales tax.
s All Sizeow Same Le! Pric
Matching Shirts
Brown
2E 5J Ø1 Ø6 Ø4
11.99 each
$
Handsome vertical striping makes you look slimmer! Rib knit collar, roomy fit, handy chest pocket and banded bottom. Dyed to match the pants. Stretchy cotton/polyester knit. Imported. 100% Wash & Wear. Sizes: S(34-36) M(38-40) L(42-44) XL(46-48) 2XL(50-52) 3XL(54-56) 4XL(58-60) When you pay by check, you authorize us to use information from your check to clear it electronically. Funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution.
SLACKS
7JC–Ø756R KHAKI CADET BLUE BLACK GREY BROWN
2 for $29.99* WHAT WHAT HOW WAIST? INSEAM? MANY?
SHIRTS
EB Ø5 Ø1 2E
$11.99
7JC–13427
each
WHAT HOW SIZE? MANY?
BURGUNDY BLUE BLACK KHAKI
Imported
AmEx Check Haband Visa MasterCard Discover® Network Card # _________________________________________Exp.: ______/_____ 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Phone/Email ____________________________________________________ or Full Refund Mr. Mrs. Ms. ____________________________________________________ of merchandise Address____________________________________________ Apt. # ______ purchase price. City & State ______________________________________ Zip ___________ Duke Habernickel #1 Bargain Place Jessup, PA 18434