All Federal benefits changing to electronic payments March 1, 2013

USA.gov — If you receive your federal benefits by paper check, you’ll need to switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. The federal benefits affected are: • Social Security • Supplemental Security Income • Veterans Affairs • Railroad Retirement Board • Office of Personnel Management • Department of Labor (Black Lung) You have two…

August 2013 – goodbye Saturday mail

USA.gov — Starting in August, the U.S. Postal Service will no longer deliver regular mail to street addresses on Saturdays. Mail will be delivered Monday through Friday. The following services will NOT change: Packages will still be delivered on Saturdays. Mail will still be delivered to PO Boxes on Saturdays. Post Office locations currently open…

Federal financial aid application

USA.GIV — The federal government provides more than $150 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds to students each year. In order to get that money, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly called the FAFSA. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives…

Link to your annual free credit reports

From USA.GOV — You are entitled to a FREE credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once every 12 months. You can request all three reports at once, or space them out throughout the year. It’s important to review your credit report to ensure that your personal information and…

Mt. Rainier entrance fees wavied Jan. 21

Mount Rainier National Park News Release ENTRANCE FEES TO BE WAIVED MONDAY, JANUARY 21 Mount Rainier Superintendent Randy King advises that entrance fees into Mount Rainier National Park will be waived Monday, January 21 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. Other fee free days at National Park Service areas in 2013…

DIY Tips and Assistance Programs to Help You Save on Home Heating

From USA.GOV — As the cold weather firmly takes hold in most parts of the country, you might notice a steep spike in your utility bills as your heating system works to keep your house warm. If you’re trying to keep your heating bill in check, there are some assistance programs and DIY-tips available from…

Learn how to maximize Social Security benefits

As the economy changes and the needs of consumers change, knowing how to make the most of Social Security benefits is becoming more and more important.  For people preparing to start their Social Security benefits, a few simple tips might save them thousands of dollars.  And for those currently receiving Social Security benefits, there may be…

Spanaway Post Office hours… sorta

By Marianne Lincoln It was 6:05 p.m. when I pulled up to the main Spanaway Post Office tonight. The lights were off and the doors were locked tight. Nevermind that the sign inside says the lobby closes at 6:15 p.m. Our Spanaway Post Office closes when the last man leaves, regardless of the time. Needless…

Diabetes information from USA.gov

Press release from USA.gov Did you know that more than 8 percent of Americans have diabetes? November is Diabetes Awareness Month, making it a good opportunity to learn about this increasingly prevalent disease.  Risk Factors – Family history, blood pressure, weight, and activity level are a few of the factors that can affect your chances…