Trying to decide when to retire?
Make an informed decision
By Karyl Richson, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Milwaukee, WI

It's never too early to start thinking about your retirement. When you do, one of your first questions may be, "When's the best time to start receiving retirement benefits?"

There's no one "best age" for everyone and, ultimately, it is your choice. You should make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits based on your individual and family circumstances.
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Protect yourself from the credit crunch
By Jason Alderman

The news at the pump is grim: With the average cost of a gallon of gas well above $4 and rising, people are asking, “What happened?” Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. But here is what government and industry experts say are some key factors that impact fuel prices:

Rising demand, dwindling supply. Like every commodity, gasoline's cost is determined by supply, demand and competition. The odds are stacked against us on all three fronts:

As easy–to–drill crude oil supplies become tapped out, increasingly costly exploration into the far reaches of the world – combined with ever more complex and expensive oil extraction techniques – are required to increase supply.
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SBA launches electronic disaster loan application
New format simplifies filing, speeds delivery of aid

Disaster victims may now go online to file an application for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Acting Administrator Jovita Carranza announced recently.

The electronic loan application can be accessed via the SBA's secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Homeowners and renters who suffered damages to their homes and personal property following a declared disaster (by the President or the SBA Administrator) may apply for disaster loan assistance online. Businesses and non-profit organizations can go online to apply for assistance to cover losses to real estate and property, as well as economic injury.

“This online application provides a convenient alternative for disaster victims as they take their first steps toward rebuilding after a disaster,” said Acting Administrator Jovita Carranza.

The electronic loan application contains a feature that automatically checks errors, and prompts applicants when additional information is needed, guaranteeing a quicker loan-processing/decision time frame. On-screen help includes a glossary to explain terms that may be unfamiliar to the applicant.

Entering data to the electronic loan application is as secure as purchasing airline tickets online. When the user enters the Web site, a secure encrypted connection is established. Identity-proofing devices are also used in the application, which include the use of two pass codes by the applicant.

Paper disaster loan applications will still be mailed to disaster victims, and the package will include directions to the electronic loan application Web site. Questions about the electronic loan applications can be directed to SBA's Disaster Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

For the latest news and information about SBA's Disaster Assistance program, visit the Web site at http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html.

 

Manpower to host community conversation following The Color Purple
Local leaders invited to discuss social issues presented in the award-winning musical production

Manpower to host community conversation following The Color Purple Local leaders invited to discuss social issues presented in the award-winning musical production.

Manpower is hosting a community conversation intended to get Milwaukee area residents talking about the social issues presented in the musical The Color Purple.

Manpower has invited a cross-section of Milwaukee community leaders to attend the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, August 16. After the show, the leaders will join Manpower employees for a reception and community discussion at the company's downtown headquarters.

Organizers are hoping the open discussion format will serve as a model for other cities on how to creatively engage in constructive dialogue on issues of social importance in their communities.

"The Color Purple is an inspiring and rich production with central themes that hit home for many in our community," said Jonas Prising, Manpower Inc. president of North America. "It is our hope that the discussions of such issues as the evolution of women's roles and the problem of poverty serve as a springboard for change."

The Color Purple, an award-winning musical adaptation of the Alice Walker novel, is being presented at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, August 12-17. Paul Matthews, Marcus Center director, applauded Manpower for harnessing the power of the arts for the good of the community.

"We believe that this is the start of something that will make a difference in Milwaukee ," he said. "I'm pleased to be part of a groundbreaking collaboration involving the arts that can affect our communities for the better."