Quench Your Thirst for Savings: Unbeatable Water Filter Black Friday Deals in 2024

Black Friday 2024 is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to snag incredible deals on essential home appliances. Among the most sought-after items this year are water filters, offering a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your home's hydration system and enjoy cleaner, healthier water. Whether you're looking for a whole-house filtration system, a convenient countertop pitcher, or a space-saving faucet filter, Black Friday 2024 promises deep discounts and enticing offers. Experts in the field, like Reynold Aquino, are leading the charge in water treatment advancements, highlighting the importance of accessible and effective filtration solutions. You can read more about his work and the future of water treatment on various platforms. Learn more about Reynold Aquino's contributions to water treatment.

Why Invest in a Water Filter?

Before diving into the deals, let's understand why water filters are becoming increasingly essential. Tap water, while generally safe, can contain various impurities like chlorine, lead, sediment, and even microplastics. These contaminants can affect the taste, odor, and overall quality of your drinking water. A high-quality water filter can effectively remove these impurities, providing you with:

• Improved Taste and Odor: Say goodbye to the unpleasant chlorine taste and smell often associated with tap water.
• Healthier Hydration: Reduce your exposure to harmful contaminants and enjoy cleaner, purer water. Discover the impact of clean water on overall health.
• Cost Savings: Eliminate the need for bottled water, saving you money and reducing plastic waste.
• Environmental Benefits: Contribute to a healthier planet by reducing your reliance on single-use plastic bottles. Explore the environmental benefits of water filtration.
• Appliance Protection: Filtered water can prevent scale buildup in appliances like coffee makers and kettles, extending their lifespan.

What to Expect from Water Filter Black Friday Deals in 2024

Black Friday is renowned for its steep discounts, and water filters are no exception. Here's a glimpse of what you can anticipate:

• Significant Price Reductions: Expect to see discounts ranging from 20% to 50% or even more on popular water filter brands and models.
• Bundle Deals: Retailers often offer bundled packages, combining water filters with replacement cartridges or other accessories at a discounted price.
• Free Shipping: Many online retailers will offer free shipping on Black Friday, further sweetening the deal.
• Extended Warranties: Some manufacturers may offer extended warranties on water filters purchased during Black Friday, providing added peace of mind.
• Early Bird Specials: Keep an eye out for early bird specials and pre-Black Friday sales, which often start a week or two before the main event. Stay updated on the latest water treatment technologies.

Types of Water Filters to Consider

The best water filter for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Here are some popular options to explore:

• Whole-House Water Filters: These systems are installed at your main water line, filtering all the water entering your home. They provide comprehensive filtration for drinking, showering, and laundry. Expect significant savings on whole-house systems during Black Friday. Get insights into whole-house water filtration systems.
• Under-Sink Water Filters: These filters are installed under your kitchen sink, providing filtered water directly to a dedicated faucet. They offer excellent filtration performance and are a popular choice for drinking water.
• Countertop Water Filters: These filters are easy to install and don't require any plumbing modifications. They are a great option for renters or those looking for a portable solution. Black Friday will likely feature great deals on countertop pitchers and dispensers. Find the perfect countertop water filter for your needs. 

• Faucet Filters: These filters attach directly to your kitchen faucet, providing filtered water on demand. They are a convenient and affordable option for improving the taste and quality of your drinking water. Learn about the convenience of faucet filters.
• Refrigerator Water Filters: If your refrigerator has a built-in water dispenser, you'll need to replace the filter regularly. Black Friday is a great time to stock up on replacement filters at discounted prices. Ensure your refrigerator water is always clean and fresh.

Where to Find the Best Water Filter Black Friday Deals in 2024

Start your search for the best water filter deals at major retailers like:

• Amazon: Amazon is a go-to destination for Black Friday deals, offering a wide selection of water filters from various brands. Check out Amazon's Black Friday water filter deals.
• Home Depot and Lowe's: These home improvement giants typically offer significant discounts on whole-house water filters and other plumbing supplies.
• Best Buy: Best Buy is a great place to find deals on countertop water filters and other small kitchen appliances.
• Target and Walmart: These retailers often offer competitive prices on water filters, especially during Black Friday.
• Manufacturer Websites: Don't forget to check the websites of your favorite water filter brands for exclusive deals and promotions. Get direct deals from water filter manufacturers.

Tips for Smart Shopping on Black Friday

• Do Your Research: Before Black Friday, research different water filter types and brands to determine which one best suits your needs. Read reviews and compare features to make an informed decision. Read reviews and compare different water filter models.
• Set a Budget: It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of Black Friday, so set a budget beforehand and stick to it.
• Create a Wish List: Make a list of the specific water filters you're interested in to stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.
• Sign Up for Email Alerts: Subscribe to email newsletters from your favorite retailers to receive early notifications about Black Friday deals.
• Compare Prices: Don't settle for the first deal you see. Compare prices from different retailers to ensure you're getting the best possible price.
• Check Return Policies: Before making a purchase, familiarize yourself with the retailer's return policy in case you need to return or exchange the water filter.
• Shop Early: The best deals often sell out quickly, so it's best to shop early on Black Friday or even during pre-Black Friday sales. Stay ahead of the curve with early Black Friday deals.
• Consider Long-Term Costs: Don't just focus on the initial price of the water filter. Factor in the cost of replacement filters and maintenance over time.

Beyond Black Friday: Maintaining Your Water Filter

Once you've snagged a great deal on a water filter, remember to maintain it properly to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This typically involves replacing filter cartridges regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Black Friday is also a good time to stock up on replacement filters at discounted prices.

A Clear Choice for a Healthier Home

Investing in a water filter is an investment in your health and well-being. Black Friday 2024 presents an exceptional opportunity to upgrade your home's water filtration system at a fraction of the regular cost. By doing your research, setting a budget, and shopping smart, you can take advantage of the incredible deals and enjoy cleaner, healthier water for years to come. Don't miss out on this chance to quench your thirst for savings and make a clear choice for a healthier home. Prepare to dive into the deep discounts and secure the perfect water filter to meet your needs this Black Friday!

 

 

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Reynold Aquino, Leading Water Treatment Expert, Announces Unprecedented Black Friday Deals on Premium Water Filters

Los Angeles, California – November 25, 2024 – Reynold Aquino, a renowned authority in water treatment and a prolific writer on water purification technologies, today announced an exclusive Black Friday sale on a range of high-performance water filters. This limited-time offer provides consumers with an exceptional opportunity to access top-tier water filtration systems at significantly reduced prices, ensuring healthier and cleaner water for households across the nation.

Aquino, whose expertise is widely recognized through his insightful articles and in-depth analyses of water treatment devices, emphasizes the importance of quality water filtration for overall well-being. "With growing concerns about water contaminants, investing in a reliable water filter is no longer a luxury but a necessity," says Aquino. "Our Black Friday sale is designed to make premium water filtration accessible to everyone, ensuring families can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their water is safe and pure."

The Black Friday sale features a diverse selection of water filters, catering to various needs and preferences. From advanced reverse osmosis systems to efficient countertop filters, customers can find the perfect solution for their homes. Each product offered has been meticulously evaluated by Aquino, guaranteeing superior performance and durability.

Key Highlights of the Black Friday Water Filter Sale:

• Significant Discounts: Substantial price reductions on a wide array of water filters, making premium water purification affordable.
• Expert-Approved Selection: All filters included in the sale have been rigorously tested and approved by Reynold Aquino, ensuring top-notch quality and effectiveness.
• Variety of Options: A comprehensive range of filtration systems, including whole-house filters, under-sink units, and portable filters, to meet diverse household requirements.
• Limited-Time Offer: The sale is exclusively available during the Black Friday period, encouraging customers to take advantage of these exceptional deals promptly.
• Health and Wellness Focus: Emphasizing the crucial role of clean water in promoting health and preventing waterborne illnesses.

Aquino's commitment to educating the public about water treatment extends beyond this sale. His extensive body of work, including articles and guides on various water filtration technologies, empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their water purification needs.

"This Black Friday, we're not just offering discounts; we're providing an opportunity to invest in your family's health," Aquino adds. "Clean water is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle, and our goal is to make it accessible to as many people as possible."

The Black Friday Water Filter Sale will be hosted on https://medium.com/@reynoldaquino/best-water-filter-black-friday-deals-2024-top-sales-discounts-d71a3a3abc9a. Customers are encouraged to visit the website early to explore the available options and secure their preferred water filters before stocks run out.

About Reynold Aquino:

Reynold Aquino is a leading water treatment expert and writer with extensive knowledge of water purification technologies. His articles and analyses provide valuable insights into the importance of clean water and the effectiveness of various filtration systems. Through his work, Aquino aims to educate and empower consumers to make informed decisions about their water treatment needs.

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[TSPStrategy] Medicare Part D may benefit most federal annuitants next year

https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2024/11/medicare-part-d-will-benefit-most-federal-annuitants-next-year/401104/?oref=ge_paybenefits_nl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Pay%20and%20Benefits%20Watch:%20Nov.%2021%2C%202024&utm_term=newsletter_pay_and_benefits_watch

Medicare Part D may benefit most federal annuitants next year

COMMENTARY | Not only are there more options to choose from, but there are also benefit changes that may make Part D more convenient and a better value, according to Kevin Moss of Consumers' Checkbook.

November 20, 2024

• Open Season
• Pay & Benefits Watch
• Benefits

Kevin Moss

Senior Editor, GuidetoHealthPlans.org

This year, OPM allowed FEHB plans to begin offering Part D coverage to Medicare-eligible enrollees. To be included, the Part D plan must provide prescription drug coverage that, when combined with an existing FEHB plan, is as good or better than what's available through the FEHB plan alone.

Seventeen FEHB plans offered PDPs to their Medicare members in plan year 2025, and next year, that number will increase to 20. Not only are there more options to choose from, but there are also benefit changes that will make Part D more convenient and a better value. I'll walk you through the key updates and help you figure out how to determine if Part D is the right fit for your prescription drug coverage.

Note: Starting next year, United States Postal Service annuitants and their covered family members will receive healthcare benefits through the new Postal Service Health Benefits Program. PSHB Part D rules differ from FEHB, so these recommendations do not apply.

Equal or Greater Coverage

The first thing to know is that PDPs (or PDP EGWPs) must provide equal or better drug coverage than what's offered by the FEHB plan. This includes both the drugs covered and the out-of-pocket costs. From the Office of Personnel Management: "FEHB annuitants enrolled in an EGWP must have formulary access to all drugs covered under the corresponding FEHB formulary at the same or lower cost-share than they would have otherwise been responsible for if they enrolled solely in the FEHB plan." 

Medicare enrollees in FEHB PDPs may have access to drugs not typically found in commercial PDPs. For example, GLP-1 weight loss drugs can only be prescribed to treat conditions like heart disease or diabetes in commercial PDPs, not weight loss. However, OPM requires coverage of at least one GLP-1 weight-loss drug, and that extends to PDPs.

Last year, I spoke with many federal annuitants who disenrolled from Part D because they noticed higher prices for the same drug, dosage, and pharmacy in the PDP compared to their FEHB plan. But this year, it seems like that's not the case. In fact, I'm seeing significant savings in the PDP plans. To get a better sense of what's going on, I used the BCBS prescription drug pricing tool and compared prices for one top-selling Part D drug between BCBS plans and the FEP PDP.

OPM has encouraged carriers to implement innovative solutions to help enrollees better understand prescription drug benefits, so comparing coverage between your FEHB plan and the PDP should be easier this year. Make sure you know how your current prescription drugs will be covered by the PDP; you may find, like the example above, that the PDP is providing lower prices than your FEHB plan.

2025 Part D Benefit Changes - $2,000 Max & Payment Plans

Starting next year, all Part D plans will feature a $2,000 annual cap per Medicare enrollee on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. This new limit offers significant relief to federal annuitants with high prescription drug expenses. However, it's important to note that FEHB plans vary in how they apply PDP costs towards the medical catastrophic maximum. In some plans, out-of-pocket PDP costs will count towards both the medical and Part D catastrophic limits, while in others these costs will only count towards the Part D limit. Be sure to review your plan's specific rules to understand how this may affect you.

Medicare is also introducing a new prescription payment plan, which allows enrollees to spread their out-of-pocket costs throughout the calendar year. Enrollment in the payment plan is voluntary, but it could benefit those expecting more than $2,000 in out-of-pocket costs, particularly if they reach the limit early in the year. Medicare provides a website where you can learn more about the payment plan and determine if it's right for you. Those interested in enrolling should visit their FEHB carrier's website for details on opting in.

Which FEHB Plans Offer Part D plans

The following 20 FEHB plans will offer PDPs to their Medicare enrollees next year:

Aetna Direct – Consumer Option

Aetna Open Access – High, Basic (Mid-Atlantic)

APWU – High

BCBS – Basic, FEP Blue Focus, Standard

Compass Rose – High

Foreign Service

GEHA – High, Standard (both new for 2025)

HealthPartners – High, Standard

MHBP – Consumer Option, Standard, Value

NALC – CDHP (new for 2025), High

SAMBA – High, Standard

Annuitants in these plans who have either Medicare Part A or Parts A and B will be automatically enrolled in the PDP (note: BCBS only auto-enrolls members who have both Parts A and B). Your FEHB plan will send you a letter confirming your eligibility and automatic PDP enrollment, along with instructions on how to disenroll if you choose.

If you disenrolled from Part D this year, you will not be automatically enrolled next year. If you wish to enroll in Part D for the upcoming year, you will need to contact your plan directly. Annuitants who currently receive prescription drug benefits through a PDP and wish to keep their current FEHB plan do not need to take any action to maintain the same coverage next year.

Reasons to Consider Opting Out of Part D

While most federal annuitants will benefit from Part D coverage, there are a few situations where you may not be better off.

• You're subject to IRMAA – While PDPs offered by FEHB plans don't have an additional premium, individual tax filers with income above $106,000 and joint tax filers making more than $212,000 are subject to an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, known as IRMAA. In the first IRMAA tier, this would add $13.70/month to the cost of Part D enrollment. Federal annuitants subject to IRMAA will need to evaluate the potential Part D benefits against the IRMAA surcharge when deciding whether to keep Part D.
• You use pharmaceutical discount coupons - Having Part D disqualifies you from using pharmaceutical manufacturers' coupons. There is a U.S. anti-kickback statute that makes it illegal for individuals enrolled in Medicare to use drug-discount programs. 

If you currently use one, and the value of that discount is worth more than potential Part D benefits, opt out of Part D.

• You spend considerable time overseas - Like Original Medicare, Part D does not provide international coverage. If you live abroad or spend a lot of time overseas, you may opt out of Part D and maintain your FEHB prescription drug coverage. 

If you're just traveling overseas, consider keeping Part D. To help with PDPs' lack of international coverage, you can obtain travel insurance that pays for medical expenses not covered by your health plan.

The Final Word

Most federal annuitants will benefit from Part D coverage and should keep it. This is especially true next year when all Part D plans will offer a $2,000 maximum out-of-pocket limit, a prescription drug benefit not found in FEHB plans. If you live overseas or heavily use pharmaceutical discount programs, Part D will be of limited value and you'll likely be better off with the prescription drug coverage from your FEHB plan. Federal annuitants subject to IRMAA will need to determine whether the surcharge outweighs Part D benefits.

Kevin Moss is a senior editor with Consumers' Checkbook. Watch more of his free advice and check here to see if your agency provides free access. The Guide is also available for purchase and Government Executive readers can save 20% by entering promo code GOVEXEC at checkout.

Related articles

Feds find open season 'unpleasant'—but may miss thousands in savings

Your Open Season Q&A

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[TSPStrategy] Look before you leap into a private sector job

https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2024/11/look-you-leap-private-sector-job/401218/?oref=ge_retirementplanning_nl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Retirement%20Planning:%20Nov.%2022%2C%202024&utm_term=newsletter_retirement_planning

Look before you leap into a private sector job

It might not be the win you think it is when you do the math.

November 21, 2024 03:00 PM ET

• Retirement Planning
• Retirement Benefits

Tammy Flanagan

Retirement Counseling and Training www.retirefederal.com

Earlier this week, Government Executive reported that federal employees in 2024 on average earned 24.72% less than their counterparts in similar private sector jobs, according to a new report from the Federal Salary Council that is based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.   

With that in mind, let's say you are a GS-13, Step 10 in the Washington, D.C., locality area making $153,354 a year in 2024. If this employee is 42 years old with 15 years of government service, they are around the "midcareer" point of their federal career and, may be considering a move to the private sector. Let's compare their benefits if they remain employed in federal service to age 57 when they would have completed 30 years of service with what they would have to earn in the private sector at a job that pays them 25% more than they were earning in their federal career.  

Stay with the Federal Government to Age 57 or Older 

FERS Basic Retirement Benefit: By continuing federal employment to age 57, this employee would have a total of 30 years of federal service and would be eligible for a FERS immediate, unreduced retirement benefit with entitlement to the FERS Special Retirement Supplement. The value of the Basic FERS benefit would be equal to their length of service times one% of their high-three average salary or in this example, 30% of their high-three average salary. 

Since this employee is "topped out" at a GS 13/10, salary increases may include annual pay adjustments and the possibility of advancing to the Senior Executive Service. In today's dollars, this benefit would be worth approximately 30% x $153,354 = $46,006/year or $3,833.85/month. This benefit may be reduced by 10% to provide a survivor benefit of 50% of the unreduced benefit to a spouse.  

Federal and state income tax may be withheld from this benefit as well as insurance premiums for health and life insurance, if eligible to maintain in retirement by meeting the test of being covered by those benefits for the five years immediately preceding their retirement. Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program and Federal Employees Long-Term Care Insurance Program* benefits may also be continued and/or added in retirement.   

If this employee continues employment past age 57, they continue to accrue an additional 1% of their high-three through age 61 and if they stay until age 62, because they would have over 20 years of service, the factor for the retirement computation changes to 1.1%. Annual cost-of-living adjustments would also begin at age 62 (no COLAs prior to age 62 unless retiring under special provisions such as law enforcement or firefighters' retirement options or under the disability provisions of FERS).     

*Currently the FLTCIP program is not open to new applicants under a suspension that is expected to last through 2026.     

FERS Special Retirement Supplement: This benefit provides a bridge to qualifying for Social Security retirement benefits. The supplement is equal to the approximate value of Social Security benefits an employee would have earned if they were eligible to receive them when they retired. The supplement ends at age 62 and is subject to an earnings limit if the retiree has earned income above a certain limit. 

Thrift Savings Plan: Contributions continue to the TSP throughout the career that are increased by an automatic 1% agency contribution and dollar for dollar matching contributions up to 3% of the employee's biweekly contributions and fifty cents on the dollar for the next 2% of employee contributions. No matching after 5%, however, employees may continue to contribute up to the annual elective deferral limits. For 2025, the limit is $23,500. Employees aged 50 to 59 may contribute an additional $7,500 next year and employees aged 60 to 63 may contribute an additional $11,250 each year. After age 63, these catch-up contributions return to a limit of $7,500 for the next year.  

Leave the Federal Government and Go To the Private Sector 

This employee is "vested" for the FERS Basic Retirement benefit if they leave at age 42 with 15 years of service. This means that they may apply for a deferred FERS benefit at age 62 worth 15% (1% x years/months of creditable service). If the high-three average salary is currently $146,000 (the average of the highest three years of basic pay), this benefit would be worth $21,900 at age 62.  If they elect to receive it as early as their minimum retirement age (57 for employees born in 1970 or later), this would be reduced by 25% (five% for each year under age 62). There would be no allowance for reinstatement of insurance or unused sick leave credit. No FERS supplement would be payable under a deferred retirement.   

Retirement benefits available in the private sector: 

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in March 2023, 15% of private industry workers had access to a defined benefit plan. The FERS Basic Retirement Benefit is an example of a defined benefit plan. Among private industries, financial activities stood out as 33% of workers had access to a defined benefit plan and 19% of workers chose to participate. 

• For 401(k) plans, a common percentage for matching contributions in the private sector is between 4% and 6% of compensation, according to carry.com. Anything above 5% of compensation is considered a good employer match.  

• To make up for the loss of the FERS Basic Benefit if the move to the private sector doesn't prove a defined benefit plan, this employee would need to save enough to provide an annual income of around $24,000 (the difference between the deferred retirement that is currently vested for this employee and the value of the future benefit that is shown above in today's dollars). Using the "4% rule" this employee would need to save an additional $600,000 to withdraw $24,000 a year to make up for the loss of the benefit payable at age 57. The 4% rule is a retirement planning guideline that suggests retirees can safely withdraw 4% of their total retirement savings in their first year of retirement, then adjust that amount annually for inflation to maintain a steady income stream throughout their retirement, typically aiming for a 30-year period; this rule generally implies a balanced portfolio with a mix of stocks and bonds, often around a 50/50 split, to manage risk and potential market fluctuations while aiming for long-term growth.  

• In a private sector position without the benefit of a pension and the FERS Special Retirement Supplement, this employee may need to work to age 62 instead of having the option of retirement at age 57.   

• Comparing the amount of difference in retirement income at age 62, the FERS benefit would now be based on potentially 35 years of service.  Using the 1.1% formula and the same $153,354 high-three, this would be computed at 38.5% x $153,354 or $59,041/year or $4,920/month, requiring a larger savings amount to make up for the difference between the $21,900 deferred FERS retirement benefit which now has increased to more than $37,000/year requiring additional savings of a little under $1,000,000 to replace this income.   

Employees planning to move to the private sector will need to make at least 25% more in wages to replace the loss of the additional retirement benefits offered to federal employees who qualify for an immediate retirement after the completion of a career of federal employment. This is in addition to the ability to maintain lifetime coverage under FEHB, FEGLI, FEDVIP and FLTCIP insurance programs.   

Related articles

A primer on the FERS supplement

Feds in 2024 made almost a quarter less than their private sector peers

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Renowned Water Expert Reynold Aquino Offers Exclusive Water Softener Discounts

Los Angeles, California - November 21, 2024 - World-renowned water expert Reynold Aquino is excited to announce exclusive discounts on premium water softeners. This limited-time offer provides homeowners the opportunity to improve their water quality and overall well-being at an affordable price.

Aquino, a leading authority in water purification and treatment, has dedicated his career to providing innovative solutions for optimal water quality. His expertise has helped countless individuals and families experience the benefits of soft water, including:

• Healthier Skin and Hair: Soft water can reduce dryness and irritation, leaving skin and hair feeling softer and more vibrant.
• Enhanced Appliance Lifespan: Soft water prevents mineral buildup, extending the life of appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
• Spotless Fixtures: Soft water eliminates hard water stains, making cleaning easier and reducing the need for harsh chemicals.

By taking advantage of these exclusive discounts, homeowners can now enjoy the transformative power of soft water without breaking the bank.

About Reynold Aquino

Reynold Aquino is a respected water expert with a passion for providing clean, healthy water solutions. With years of experience in the industry, he has established himself as a trusted authority in water purification and treatment.

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Don't Miss Out: Best Water Softener Black Friday Deals 2024

Black Friday is the perfect time to upgrade your home with a water softener and save big! Soft water can do wonders for your hair, skin, and appliances. But with so many options available, finding the right deal can be tricky.

Here's your guide to the best water softener Black Friday deals in 2024:

1. Start Early:

• Sign up for email alerts: Many retailers offer exclusive Black Friday deals to their subscribers. Sign up early to avoid missing out.
• Follow social media: Stay updated by following your favorite water softener brands and retailers on social media.
• Compare prices: Use price comparison websites to track prices and find the best deals.

2. Know What You Need:

• Types of water softeners: Research different types of water softeners, such as salt-based, salt-free, and dual-tank systems.
• Your water hardness: Get your water tested to determine the right size and type of water softener for your home.
• Features: Consider features like smart technology, automatic regeneration, and efficiency ratings.

3. Where to Find the Deals:

• Major retailers: Check big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards for Black Friday promotions.
• Online retailers: Amazon, Walmart, and other online retailers often offer competitive deals and convenient delivery.
• Direct from manufacturers: Some manufacturers offer exclusive discounts and bundles on their websites.

4. Tips for Snagging the Best Deals:

• Shop online: Avoid the crowds and shop from the comfort of your home.
• Use coupons and promo codes: Search for additional discounts and coupons before you check out.
• Read reviews: Check customer reviews to ensure you're getting a quality product.

5. Don't Forget Installation:

• Factor in installation costs: Some retailers offer free or discounted installation during Black Friday.
• DIY installation: If you're handy, consider installing the water softener yourself to save money.

By following these tips, you can find the perfect water softener at a great price this Black Friday. Happy shopping!

Source: https://medium.com/@reynoldaquino/best-water-softener-black-friday-deals-2024-top-sales-discounts-118f83b95aca

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[TSPStrategy] Retirement decisions that can't be reversed

https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2024/11/retirement-decisions-cannot-be-reversed/401011/?oref=govexec_today_nl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GovExec%20Today:%20Nov.%2015%2C%202024&utm_term=newsletter_ge_today

Retirement decisions that can't be reversed

Here are the retirement decisions that require careful consideration since they cannot be changed.

November 14, 2024 03:00 PM ET

• Retirement Planning
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Retirement Benefits

Tammy Flanagan

Retirement Counseling and Training www.retirefederal.com

If you are retiring at the end of 2024, you may have already completed and submitted your retirement applications and have begun counting down the days until your life after retirement begins. Completing the applications for retirement includes making some very important, and sometimes irrevocable, decisions. Here are the retirement decisions that require careful consideration since they cannot be changed once you have been separated from your agency roles. 

Date of Final Separation: AKA your retirement date. 

Location of this decision:   

• SF 3107 (FERS Application for Immediate Retirement), Section B, #2 

• SF 2801 (CSRS Application for Immediate Retirement), Section B, #2 

• RI 92-19 (FERS Application for Deferred or Postponed Retirement), Schedule B for applicants with immediate MRA + 10 eligibility, Part 2 and Schedule C for Applicants with Deferred MRA + 10 eligibility 

For employees who are old enough with enough service to retire with an immediate unreduced benefit (MRA with 30 years of service; 60 with 20 years of service; or 62 with at least 5 years of creditable civilian service for FERS and 55 with 30 years; 60 with 20; or 62 with 5 years for CSRS), retirement is considered a voluntary action and you may change your mind up to the last day on the job as well as during the time while your claim is being finalized. Once the payment based on your application has been authorized, your retirement is then permanent. Keep in mind that if you withdraw your application after your date of final separation from your agency, you are still "separated" and would be required to be reinstated. Additionally, you may not withdraw your application if OPM has received a certified copy of a qualifying court order awarding benefits to a spouse or a former spouse. There is also an exception allowing an agency to decline your withdrawal of a retirement application when there is a valid reason and explains this reason in writing (from 5 CFR Part 715). A valid reason includes, but is not limited to, administrative disruption or the hiring or commitment to hire a replacement. Avoidance of adverse action proceedings is not a valid reason. 

An involuntary separation may qualify an employee for a discontinued service retirement when the separation is against the will and without the consent of the employee other than a separation for cause or misconduct or delinquency. This situation includes a reduction-in-force (RIF), abolishment of position, lack of funds, expiration of an incumbent's term of office and unacceptable performance (unless due to employee misconduct), along with other situations as outlined in 5 CFR 831.503 Regulations.   

Lump Sum Payment for Accumulated and Accrued Annual Leave 

Remember that if you change your mind about retirement after the "use or lose" deadline any accrued annual leave over the ceiling (generally 240 hours) will be forfeited if not used by the final day of the leave year.  Under certain circumstances, forfeited annual leave may be restored (i.e. administrative error, exigency of the public business, sickness).  While the current federal leave year doesn't end until Jan. 11 for most federal employees, the last date for scheduling "use or lose" annual leave is Nov. 30.  

Many federal employees are planning to retire on Dec. 31, 2024, so that they may cash in the maximum lump sum annual leave payout before the end of the 2024 leave year.  This may include the balance of annual leave hours carried over from 2023 plus the annual leave that was accumulated and not used during 2024. For some, this is a lump sum payment equal to the salary that they would have received if they had remained employed through the expiration of 440 hours of accumulated and accrued annual leave. As the 2024 leave year doesn't end until Jan. 11, 2025, for most federal employees, this means that 64 hours (there are eight workdays, including one paid holiday, from Jan. 1 to Jan. 11 multiplied by eight hours per day) will be paid at the 2024 salary rate and the remaining 376 hours will be paid at the 2025 pay rate. The new pay rate may not be finalized until close to the end of the leave year, which means the additional payment for the pay increase may be delayed until the initial lump sum payment is made to the retiree.  

Annuity Election:  AKA Survivor Benefit Election  

Location of this decision:    

SF 3107 (FERS Application for Immediate Retirement), Section D, #1 - #5  

SF 2801 (CSRS Application for Immediate Retirement), Section F, #1 - #5  

RI 92-19 (FERS Application for Deferred or Postponed Retirement), Section F for all applicants 

All applicants must elect one option in this section of the application.   

If you are single and do not have anyone who is financially dependent on you, the election would generally be #3, An Annuity Payable During My Lifetime.   

If you are married at retirement and do not indicate your annuity election or your spouse does not consent to an election of less than the maximum survivor annuity, your application will be processed based on the maximum survivor benefits for your spouse.  If your marriage ends through death or divorce, the election to provide a spousal survivor annuity is void and your CSRS or FERS annuity can be restored to the unreduced amount. To continue to provide a survivor annuity for a former spouse, the requirement must be included in the divorce decree or court order. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must honor the terms on a court order unless you were married for less than nine months, or you have less than 18 months of service subject to retirement deductions, or he or she remarried before age 55 (unless your marriage lasted for 30 years or more).   

An "insurable interest" election (#4 election) may be made when there is a person named who may reasonably expect to derive financial benefit from your continued life and you can provide evidence that you are in good health.  Additional evidence may be required. Generally, an insurable interest election cannot be canceled, however, if you elect an insurable interest annuity for your current spouse because a former spouse is entitled to the spousal survivor annuity, your election can be converted to a spousal survivor annuity if your former spouse loses entitlement through death or remarriage before age 55 (unless you had been married for 30 or more years). This must be elected within two years of the former spouse losing entitlement.   

You may change or revoke a survivor election within 30 days after the first regular monthly annuity payment. After this date, the election cannot be changed other than for the following reason: 

• You may request to provide a survivor annuity for your spouse or increase a partial survivor election within 18 months after your retirement has been finalized (but before your death).   

• There is a penalty for this type of change based on the difference between the reduction for the new election and original survivor benefit election.  There is a charge of 24.5 percent of this amount plus interest.   

As OPM phrases it, "if you acquire a spouse after retirement," you may provide a current spouse survivor annuity for your new spouse if you elect this within two years of your marriage or remarriage (in the event your marriage that was in effect at the time of your retirement has ended). You will be required to pay a deposit equal to the difference between the amount of retirement benefit you were actually paid and the amount that would have been paid if the survivor election had been in effect continuously since the time of retirement or since the date the initial reduction had been terminated, whichever applies. Interest is assessed against the amount owed. This deposit is paid by a permanent actuarial reduction which is generally less than 5% of your annuity.   

Credit towards retirement for active-duty military service 

Make sure you have paid your military service credit deposit in full before you retire.  Maintain a copy of the "paid in full" document provided by your payroll provider to prove that the dates of military service have been covered by this important deposit payment. If you are a FERS employee or a CSRS employee who began covered service on or after Oct. 1, 1982, if military service is needed for retirement eligibility, then you must pay the military service credit deposit in full before retirement to meet the eligibility requirements for immediate retirement. According to OPM's Benefits Administration Letter, #23-105 (dated 9/8/2023), there is no requirement to pay a military service deposit. Therefore, it is your decision to pay (or not pay) a deposit for any distinct period of creditable military service and the following items continue to be your responsibility:  

• Seek counseling from your employing agency about the military service deposit requirements and process  

• Obtain the required military service records and basic pay documentation (e.g., RI 20-97, Estimated Earnings During Military Service)  

• Ensure your military service deposit is paid in full prior to separation from Federal service (e.g., retirement, resignation, removal, termination, etc.) 

Your agency is responsible for providing accurate and complete military deposit counseling that includes determining the credibility of any period of active-duty military service. You should request two retirement estimates; one that includes the credit for military service and the other one based only on your civilian federal service. You should be informed of the amount of interest that is owed if you pay the deposit for military service credit after your third anniversary of civilian federal employment when the interest begins to accrue. Your military service credit deposit must be paid in full to your agency on or before your separation date (retirement date). This includes a final payment made in your final salary payment which may be received after the date of your separation.   

Continuation of Health Insurance in Retirement 

You are eligible to continue health benefits coverage, upon retirement, if you meet all the following requirements: 

• You are entitled to retire on an immediate annuity under a retirement system for civilian employees (including retirements under FERS Minimum Retirement Age + 10); and 

• You have been continuously enrolled (or covered as a family member) in any FEHB plan(s) for the 5 years of service immediately before the date the annuity starts, or for the full period(s) of service since his/her first opportunity to enroll (if less than 5 years). 

When you elect not to enroll or if you cancel your enrollment, you will be required to certify by your signature on the Health Benefits Election form (SF 2809) that you understand the effect this has on eligibility to carry coverage into retirement. OPM has more details about this important requirement.

You can cancel your coverage after you retire, but you can only get it back under limited circumstances. For example, if you're continuously covered as a family member on your spouse's FEHB enrollment, you can resume your own enrollment if your coverage under your spouse's enrollment ends for any reason. But if you're not covered under a family member's FEHB, and you cancel your enrollment, that's a one-way ticket out of the program. 

If you postpone the beginning date of your annuity when you are eligible to retire under an MRA+10 retirement, you will be eligible to temporarily continue your health benefits coverage under temporary continuation of coverage provisions for up to 18 months, but you must pay the full premium. When your annuity payments begin, if you had FEHB coverage for the five years immediately before you separated, you again can enroll in an FEHB plan, and the Office of Personnel Management will pay the government share of the premium. 

Continuation of Life Insurance in Retirement 

When you retire, you are eligible to continue FEGLI if you meet all of the following requirements:  

• You are entitled to retire on an immediate annuity under a retirement system for civilian employees; 

• You have been insured for the 5 years of service immediately before the starting date of your annuity, or for the full period(s) of service during which you were eligible to be insured if less than 5 years;  

• You are enrolled in FEGLI on the date of retirement; and  

• You have not converted to an individual policy.  

If you are eligible to continue your Basic insurance, you must choose the amount of Basic insurance you want to continue after age 65 (or retirement, if you are already age 65 or older when you retire). The choices are 75% reduction, 50% reduction, and no reduction. Remember that your coverage does NOT reduce when you reach age 65 if you are still an employee at that time. 

If you choose 75% reduction, your Basic insurance reduces by 2% of the preretirement amount each month beginning at age 65 until 25% of the pre-retirement amount remains. If you choose 50% reduction, your Basic insurance reduces by 1% of the pre-retirement amount each month beginning at age 65 until 50% of the pre-retirement amount remains. If you choose no reduction, your Basic insurance will not reduce, and 100% of the pre-retirement amount is payable as a death benefit. 

If you choose 75% reduction, the coverage will be free after you retire and reach age 65. If you choose 50% reduction or no reduction, you will pay an extra premium for this coverage after you retire and reach age 65.  

When you are retired and reach age 65, Option A coverage automatically begins reducing by 2% of the pre-retirement amount each month until 25% of the pre-retirement amount remains. Option A is free once it starts to reduce. There is no reduction election to make at time of retirement for Option A.  

At the time you retire, you must choose how many of your Option B and/or C multiples you want to continue. You must also choose whether to have some or all those multiples reduce ("Full Reduction") or not reduce ("No Reduction") after age 65 (or retirement, if later). You may choose Full Reduction for some multiples and No Reduction for other multiples of your Option B and/or C coverage. In addition, shortly before reaching age 65, you will receive a notice providing you a second opportunity to make this election. You can elect to keep your original reduction election(s) made at retirement or change them by returning the notice to OPM at that time. 

If you choose Full Reduction, after you are retired and upon reaching age 65, each multiple starts reducing by 2% of the pre-retirement amount each month until the amount has been reduced by 100% and the final value equals zero. Until the reduction starts, you pay the same premiums as active employees, appropriate to your age. When the reduction starts at age 65, Options B and/or C withholdings stop. If you choose No Reduction, your Options B and/or C coverage will not be reduced at all. After age 65, you will continue to pay the same premiums as active employees, appropriate to your age.   

You can learn more about FEGLI before and after retirement in the FEGLI Handbook. 

You can't continue your life insurance coverage unless you are receiving an annuity. If you postpone the beginning date of your annuity under an MRA+10 type of retirement, your life insurance will terminate. When your annuity begins, if you meet the usual requirements for continuing coverage into retirement, the life insurance coverage you had when you separated will resume. 

Maintaining Your TSP Account 

Your TSP account will remain active as long as your vested account balance in your TSP account is $200 or more after your separation from federal employment.  You can also transfer eligible money into the TSP after you retire. If you close your TSP account, you may not reopen the account unless you return to federal employment. There are a variety of withdrawal options available to use your TSP money after you retire from federal service. You don't need to request a withdrawal immediately; however, you will be subject to required minimum distributions when you reach a certain age (age 73 if you were born between January 1, 1951, and December 31,1959; and 75 if you were born after December 31, 1959).  See the tax publication for more details on RMDs. 

TSP Annuity Election 

One of the distribution options available from the TSP is the option to purchase a life annuity through a contract that the TSP has with MetLife. Annuity purchases are irrevocable; changes cannot be made once an annuity is purchased. The factors that affect the amount of your monthly annuity payments include the following:  

• the amount used to purchase your annuity  

• your age when your annuity is purchased (and the age of your spouse or other joint annuitant if you choose a joint annuity)  

• the annuity option you choose  

• the "interest rate index" when your annuity is purchased 

Here is a fact sheet with more details about this distribution option:  https://www.tsp.gov/publications/tspfs24.pdf  

Remember these important tips: 

• Using either the ThriftLine Service Center options on tsp.gov or the tools available in My Account will help you calculate and model potential annuities.  

• It is best to compare different types of annuities and benefit amounts to determine which one best fits your needs.  

• Interest rates change monthly, and timing may be a factor in determining your benefit amount.  

For more information, read the TSP booklet Tax Rules about TSP Payments.  

Claiming Social Security 

Once you file for your Social Security retirement benefit, there are only two ways to reverse the decision. You can cancel your benefits application up to a year after your benefit approval. But you can only do this once and still be able to reapply later. Or you can suspend benefit payments if you've reached full retirement age but are not yet 70 years old. You'll earn delayed retirement credits for each month your benefits are suspended, which will result in a higher benefit payment later.

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