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            Social Security announces new online services available with a 'my 
			Social Security' account 
			SPRINGFIELD -- Michael J. Astrue, 
			commissioner of Social Security, announced Monday that the agency is 
			expanding the services available with a "my Social Security" 
			account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning 
			in their working years and continuing throughout the time they 
			receive Social Security benefits. More than 60 million Social 
			Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients 
			can now access their benefit verification letter, payment history 
			and earnings record instantly using their online account. Social 
			Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or 
			change direct deposit information online.
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            Financial wellness can be yours in 2013 By Judith 
			Bartels, Social Security district manager in 
			Springfield 
			SPRINGFIELD -- January is 
			Financial Wellness Month -- a great time to think about your own 
			financial future. It also happens to be at this time that many 
			people make resolutions for the New Year. Why not combine the two 
			and make your own financial wellness a resolution for 2013? 
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			here for the rest of the story.) 
 
            3 dangerous driving distractions that may surprise you 
			 (BPT) -- By now, almost everyone 
			knows the dangers of texting or talking on a cellphone while 
			driving. But phones aren't the only distractions drivers should be 
			aware of. Experts say that anything that draws your attention away 
			from the road can be a potential cause of an accident. That includes 
			actions and situations as innocuous as snacking behind the wheel or 
			postponing a bathroom break. 
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			here for the rest of the story.) 
 
            A 'raise' for people who get Social Security 
			SPRINGFIELD -- As we ring in a new 
			year, we can expect to see a number of changes. Social Security is 
			no exception. In 2013, people who receive Social Security or 
			Supplemental Security Income payments will see their benefits 
			increase. 
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			here for the rest of the story.) 
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			Attention caregivers: Federal benefit checks are going 
			all-electronic 
			(BPT) -- More than 65 million 
			people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or elderly 
			family member or friend, according to the National Alliance for 
			Caregiving. In addition to providing emotional and physical support, 
			caregivers are often entrusted to help their loved ones carry out 
			financial decisions. 
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			here for the rest of the story.) 
 
			Why Alzheimer's should factor into your retirement plan 
			(BPT) -- In an ideal world, you 
			will retire and enjoy many years fulfilling your dreams and spending 
			time with those you love the most. Your retirement years can be some 
			of the happiest and most enjoyable years of your life. But while we 
			all hope for the best outcome possible, it may be prudent for you to 
			plan for the possibility that life may deal you a difficult hand. 
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			story.) 
 Careful planning is a must for the sandwich generation 
			(BPT) -- It's not always a good 
			thing to be the middle. For the children of baby boomers, the middle 
			can be a financially stressful place. 
			
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			story.) 
 
			Boomers connect at rapid pace 
			(BPT) -- Even though they're 
			still common, jokes about clueless baby boomers calling their kids 
			to figure out how to use technology are starting to feel outdated. 
			While today's youngest generations are practically born with 
			tablets, smartphones and laptops in their hands, grandparents are 
			also adopting technology at a startling pace. 
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			story.) 
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