Dr. Fred R. Lybrand

Have you seen the commercials for Jerry Springer’s new show on the Game Show Network? Maybe you’ve even stopped by to see what it is all about. Springer’s new show is called, “Baggage.” The show starts like the “Dating Game” of the 1960’s in that one “dater” chooses between three contestants as potential dates. Instead of answering questions, each contestant reveals three secrets or hidden flaws that usually aren’t talked about on a first date; each revelation is bigger than the one before. The idea is that everyone brings “baggage” into a relationship, and some secrets are just too big to overlook.

I have to admit, it is actually pretty interesting to see contestants work on a decision to go on a first date as they learn a few secret flaws in one another. I also confess I haven’t been much of a fan of Springer in the past, and I don’t know that “Baggage” will win me over. I’ve always thought we should have a bumper sticker based on Springer’s original...

[Read More]

Last week, Abby and I had date night. We had dinner at this great little restaurant and then headed to the movies. We thought we were seeing a love story, but instead watched a movie about a couple falling apart. Toward the end of the movie, one partner said to the other, “the problem is that we have stopped really seeing each other, instead we see projections of one another.”

Although the movie was not the love story we expected, we both were hit by the incredible truth of this statement. How often do we stop really seeing the person we love (be it your spouse, children, or friend) and instead see a really distorted projection of that person that you have mentally constructed?

Okay read the question again, slowly, and then answer honestly.

For many of us, we often do this. Instead of seeing the people we love, we see who we have made them to be. I don’t think this is how it’s supposed to be.

Instead of seeing the spouse we married, we see the person who alw...

[Read More]

After discussing with a friend, the horrid hit-piece from Michael Joseph Gross in this week’s Vanity Fair, he reminded me of an old article published by a different magazine, from a different time.

Back in February 2008, Vogue featured a much different sort of article about Governor Palin. The piece was titled “Altered State” and it highlighted many different elements of the governor’s life, both personal and professional. The beginning of the piece says a lot about who exactly Sarah Palin is as a person, and how the media has changed in regards to their treatment of her since then. The piece starts:

The editor of Alaska magazine had a problem. State governor Sarah Palin, with her historically high approval rating and natural good looks (one blogger called her Tina Fey’s sexier sister), seemed a natura...

[Read More]

In the comment sections where her plea was posted, that is…

I’m sure you will be hard pressed to find many union members who will go on record stating this sentiment, given the environment they find themselves in these days. However, the internet is a place many find able to speak their mind without fear of retribution.

Scanning through the comment sections of both Governor Palin’s Facebook page, and certain articles on this topic, I saw some comments that I found interesting. They had been left by union members who viewed Governor Palin’s statement as factual and words they obviously identified with. I wanted to share some of them but I have omitted their names because they are not public figures (emphasis mine).

As a proud current...

[Read More]

There are a few blogs I regularly check, one is all about music. I was surprised last week to see that this blog was featuring an entry about Justin Bieber. This is not Teen Beat, this is a legitimate music site. A music producer from Florida has slowed down one of Justin Bieber’s tracks, taking it from a three minute song into a 34 minute song.

And here’s the deal. It is good. As one critic says, it is hauntingly beautiful. This critic would never say that about any original Justin Bieber song.

The song was not altered. It was just immensely slowed down and turned into what sounds almost like a monastic chant.

I will admit that I listened to it a few times and it is quite interesting.

I think it’s also this incredible reminder of what I consider one of the most important spiritual lessons of all time, Sabbath. We are at that time again where things are going to get even busier. The kids are back in school. There are a million back to s...

[Read More]

By Nikitia Johnson, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

These days, everyone needs to be cautious of scams -- Internet, mail, and even phone scams – which can damage your credit score and pocketbook. Any time someone asks for your personal information, you should be wary. Particularly cruel are swindles that target Social Security beneficiaries.

Recently, Social Security became aware of a scam targeting beneficiaries in the Southern California area. Scammers telephoned beneficiaries to tell them they were due a “stimulus payment.” The scammer offered to deposit the payment to each beneficiary’s account once the personal and bank account information was provided. The scammer then contacted Social Security by telephone to request the benefits be deposited into a new account—the scammer’s account, to steal the payments. In a similar version of this criminal ploy, the scammer calls the beneficiary to “confirm” the ben...

[Read More]

Clothes, check. Laptop, check. MP3 player, check. Insurance? Better check.

Before you cram the last of your freshman’s personal effects into the SUV, it’s important to check whether they have adequate insurance coverage for their personal items, their health and their car whether or not they’re taking it to campus.

It’s not a good idea to assume that all personal coverage will simply travel with your child to school. More than ever, health as well as property and casualty insurers are going through claims with a fine-tooth comb, and the worst time to wonder if they’ll pay is when your student actually has a problem.

So in the weeks before they leave, call your agent and review the following:

Health coverage:If your child is already on the family plan, by all means, keep them there. This is an even better option today because the pass...

[Read More]

Working abroad is no longer something someone does during the course of a traditional career. College internships increasingly involve overseas appointments. Many college graduates seek work-abroad experiences before they even start their careers, and many retirees consider overseas work and volunteer assignments as part of an “encore” career.

For example, The Peace Corps reports that 5 percent of their volunteers are age 50 and over, and that’s a number that’s growing.

Whatever the reason you may be considering a work-abroad experience, remember there’s a necessary financial planning component that’s as individual as you are. A work-abroad assignment of as little as six months may have important ramifications for your overall financial planning, affecting everything from your current living space to tax,, retirement and estate issues.

That’s why the first move you should make after making ...

[Read More]

By Nikitia Johnson

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that Social Security is asking members of the public, as well as current and former employees, to help the agency celebrate its 75 years of public service by sharing their personal stories and reflections about how Social Security has touched their lives. To share your story, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and click on the box that says “Social Security Celebrates 75 Years of Public Service.” Selected stories will be edited for content and brevity and posted for everyone to read.

“On August 14, the most important and successful domestic program in our nation’s history turns 75,” Commissioner Astrue said. “For three quarters of a century, Social Security has provided a financial lifeline to millions of Americans. As we approach our anniversary, Social Security remains a solid foundation for retirees, the disabled, and su...

[Read More]

By Nikitia Johnson, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Have you ever considered a visit abroad? Or maybe you’re planning to live overseas for an extended period of time. Whether you’re outside the country for a week or a decade, you may be unaware of how to reach Social Security in the event that you need to conduct business with us while you’re away. Fortunately, in most corners of the world you can get help from a federal benefit officer or other trained personnel.

The Department of State embassies and American consulates abroad have personnel who are specially trained to provide a full range of Social Security services, including taking applications for all types of benefits, processing applications for new or replacement Social Security cards, and an array of other Social Security business.

Americans in American Samoa, British Virgin Islands, Canada, and Puerto Rico may obtain services directly from Social Security field offices located there. In other...

[Read More]