May people ring in the new year with champagne. People who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) got to ring it in with a COLA. This year, more than 60 million Americans are receiving a 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) in their monthly benefit payment.
The 1.5 percent COLA began with increased benefits for Social Security beneficiaries in January 2014, and payments to SSI recipients started in late December 2013.
The estimated average monthly Social Security payment to a retired worker is $1,294 (in 2014), up from $1,275 (in 2013). The average monthly SSI payment is $1,148 (in 2014), up from $1,131 (in 2013).
The basic monthly federal payment for SSI is $721 (in 2014), up from $710 (in 2013).
Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $117,000, up from $113,700. Of the estimated 165 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2014, about 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.
The amount of earnings needed for one credit of Social Security coverage has gone up as well, but all workers can still earn up to four credits in a year. In 2014, a worker earns a credit after earning $1,200 ($1,160 in 2013). It takes 40 credits to be fully insured for retirement benefits.
For 2014 updates, other information and locations:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov
For more on COLA: www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice
While I was growing up, we almost always had a dog (or two) in the house, and they always became treasured family members. You may have had the same experience, and you would not be alone if you have pets today that you consider to be your “children.” I know people who claim to prefer their kitties over their kiddies.
Section 560:7-501 of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes specifically allows you to create trusts “for the care of one or more domestic or pet animals.” You can even designate a human watchdog who will make sure that your intentions are carried out. In theory, there would be nothing to prevent your terrier’s trustee from making a quick stop at the local dog pound and then pocketing the trust assets that you had intended to be used for your poor pet. However, your 
watchdog could whisk the trustee in front of a judge and make sure the trustee is held accountable for failing to honor your wishes. Of course, if you choose the right caretaker in the first place, none of this will be an issue.
But what if your two-legged children get jealous of your basset hound’s bequest? Is there a way for them to attack your trust? The short answer is “yes,” and if they can convince a judge that you have left “too much” for your toucan, the judge can reduce the amount in the trust to whatever amount is “enough” to provide adequately for the care, maintenance, health and appearance of the designated critter. In any event, if there is anything left when your pooch passes the pearly gates, you get to say where it goes.
Some pets have very long lifespans, such as certain birds, reptiles and fish. Your pet trust will not be subject to the rules that limit the lifespans of conventional trusts, so you can be sure that, as long as the trust assets hold out, there will be provisions for your pet.
“Simply put,” entertainment writer Wayne Harada notes in the book’s foreword, “the SOS wouldn’t have been able to succeed without Frances, and vice versa.” In the book, Kirk recounts their journey through many shining moments, including performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, headlining for more than 40 years at the Outrigger Waikiki hotel and a series of regional hit records. It is a legacy that lives on, as the Society of Seven continues to perform today.
In a large pan with a lid, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, and brown well on both sides. Remove chicken from the pan. Drain off some of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
