Town Of Palm Beach United Way Honors Jack Scarola
Jack Scarola Receives The Prestigious Nettie Finkle Award
The Town of Palm Beach United Way recently honored Jack Scarola with the prestigious Nettie Finkle Award for his 45-plus years of transforming the lives of the most vulnerable individuals and families in Palm Beach County.
The annual award honors an individual who exemplifies volunteerism and whose commitment to bringing hope, promise, and opportunity into the lives of others has left a lasting, positive impact on a person, group, or community at large.
Scarola is a generous giver of his time, talents, and treasure. He is a founding member of The Lord’s Place and has served on its board for more than 45 years.
According to Kerry Diaz, interim CEO of The Lord’s Place and who nominated Scarola for the award, “Jack is not your typical board chairman who limits his involvement overseeing the policies of a nonprofit organization. He has literally been on the ground and in the trenches—or to be more exact, in the dumpster—with our organization since its beginning.”
In the early 1980s, Scarola joined the late Brother Joe Ranieri, founder of The Lord’s Place, sleeping on the steps of St. Ann’s Church and later helped him as he spent weeks living in a dumpster to call the attention of the community to the problem of homelessness and to solicit financial support. Since the beginning days, Scarola and his wife, Anita, and children have been steadfast supporters of The Lord’s Place and participants in the agency’s various events—from Dumpster Days to SleepOut to this year’s inaugural March to End Homelessness. In addition, it has become a Scarola
Ibis Charities Foundation Awards Over $530,000 In 2025 Season Of Giving
The Ibis Charities Foundation is proud to continue its mission of supporting impactful initiatives across five key areas: health and wellness, education, family and social services, arts and culture, and environmental awareness. Most grants are awarded to projects with clearly defined budgets and measurable outcomes, ensuring donor contributions make a lasting difference in our community.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our major donors, corporate sponsors, and all who participated in this year’s Season of Giving events, we raised more than $500,000 for the third consecutive year. In mid-March, the Ibis Charities Grants Committee presented funding recommendations totaling $508,650, which were unanimously approved by the foundation’s Board of Directors.
Additionally, a successful community-wide food drive for the Palm Beach County Food Bank raised an
Wheelchairs 4 Kids Receives
$7,500
impressive $22,125. Combined, this season’s total grants exceed $530,000, reinforcing our commitment to giving back and enriching lives throughout Palm Beach County and beyond.
The Ibis Charities Foundation is deeply grateful for the ongoing support that makes this level of giving possible. For more information call (561) 625-8500 or visit www. clubatibis.com.
Grant From Admirals Cove Foundation
To Help Children With Physical Disabilities In Northern Palm Beach
Wheelchairs 4 Kids is proud to announce it has received a $7,500 grant from the Admirals Cove Foundation to support its flagship Let’s Roll Program, which provides wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and other
essential assistive equipment to children with physical disabilities under the age of 21, all at no charge to their families. This grant is specifically designated to serve families in the Northern Palm Beach area of Florida.
Founded in 2011 in Tarpon Springs, Wheelchairs 4 Kids is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the
United Way on page 2
Debra Vasilopoulos and Jack Scarola
Wheelchairs
family Christmas tradition to play “Santa Claus” for the children and parents residing at the agency’s family campus. Scarola has continued to help The Lord’s Place grow to become the leading organization serving those experiencing homelessness in Palm Beach County.
“He has not only made a profound contribution in helping to build The Lord’s Place into the nationallyrecognized agency that it is today, he has also walked
quality of life and increasing mobility for physically disabled children. Since its inception, the organization has helped over 1,800 children nationwide live fuller, safer, and more independent lives through the gift of mobility and accessibility.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Admirals Cove Foundation for their generous support,” said Madeline Robinson, executive director of Wheelchairs 4 Kids. “This grant allows us to directly impact families in Northern Palm Beach who are facing immense financial and emotional challenges. With this funding, we will be able to provide life-changing equipment that many children would otherwise go without.”
The Admirals Cove Foundation, based in Jupiter, Fla., supports nonprofit organizations that enhance lives and strengthen communities in Palm Beach County through grants and scholarships. Their support will help Wheelchairs 4 Kids continue to provide safe and customized solutions for children in need, right in their own backyard.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids’ Let’s Roll Program remains central to its mission, ensuring that no child goes without necessary mobility or accessibility equipment due to financial hardship. In addition, the organization runs a social inclusion program, Wheely Fun Days, offering children the opportunity to participate in exciting community outings and connect with their peers.
To learn more about Wheelchairs 4 Kids or to get involved, please visit Wheelchairs4kids.org or call (727) 946-0963.
Photos attached feature Wheel Kids that Wheelchairs 4 Kids have helped since their founding in 2011.
the walk in every aspect of his life,” added Diaz, “Jack and Anita have instilled in their five children, 20 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren the values of respect for all people, the duty to help others less fortunate than ourselves, and the responsibility to speak out and stand up against injustice in the community and the world.”
Scarola’s charitable contributions extend beyond The Lord’s Place, providing support for The Guatemalan-Maya Center, Easter Seals, The Legal Aid Society, Guild of Catholic Lawyers, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Palm Beach County Justice Association, and others.
In Debra Vasilopoulos’ presentation of the award, she told the story of how Scarola and his wife helped the Velascos, a Guatemalan immigrant family. In 2015, after learning about the Velascos’ plight to seek asylum from horrific violence, including rape and death threats, the Scarola family took the mother and two of her children into their home for five months.
“The Scarolas helped their children enroll in school, helped the mother get a job as a nanny and helped pay for an attorney to handle their asylum case. They are just one of several families who the Scarolas have befriended and assisted in this way,” shared Vasilopoulos, board secretary for United Way.
In his career as a senior partner in the law firm of Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, P.A., Scarola has taken on the cases of innumerable members of the public who were wronged and won justice for them—taking a personal interest in their plight and providing care for them beyond the courtroom and their court case. For this, he has been honored with the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award and the Legal Aid Society’s Community Service Award.
In his acceptance speech, Scarola attributed “at least equal credit, if not more” to his wife: “All of those things have always been a family effort. And it has been an enormous satisfaction to be able to give back to this community in
exchange for all that we have received from this community for more than 50 years we have been part of it.”
He thanked United Way for its “enormous contributions to contributing to the quality of life in Palm Beach County, to maintaining and elevating that quality of life.”
Scarola shared these lines of poetry, “It’s not the things you do my friends but things you leave undone that cause you a bit of heartache in the setting of the sun.”
He then emphasized, “There is much that remains undone as our neighbors face a tremendous assault as a consequence of the economic pressures that are being brought to bear upon them attempting to live in this community. And to have added to those economic pressures, political pressures as well, make their lives extraordinarily difficult. Your work is essential. Thank you for doing it.”
In addition to Scarola receiving an award, the Town of Palm Beach United Way added his name to the Nettie Finkle Award plaque which lists all past recipients and presented The Lord’s Place with a check for $2,000 in Scarola’s honor.
All Town of Palm Beach United Way nonprofit partner agencies are eligible to nominate a volunteer for the annual Nettie Finkle Award.
For more information, visit www.palmbeachunitedway.org.
For more information, visit thelordsplace.org.
Photo Credit: Capehart Photography
A few members of the Scarola family: (left to right) Caroline Kirk, Ellie Bischoff, Janna Scarola Bischoff, Jack Scarola, Anita Scarola, Cara Scarola Hansen, David Scarola, Annette Mendoza
Pamela McIver, Jack Scarola, and Kerry Diaz
Wheelchairs 4 Kids from page 1
The Pet Cottage Post
Forever Promises: How Love Lives On
When Mister and Beary’s mom passed away from cancer in the fall of 2024, her love didn’t end—it simply took a new shape.
She had made provisions in her estate to ensure her cherished 10-year-old bonded dogs would never be without care. Because of her thoughtfulness, Mister and Beary became part of our pack in November, joining The Pet Cottage’s Lifelong Guardianship Program. They arrived grieving, confused, and with medical needs. Both had developed painful bladder stones, but thanks to prescription food and close veterinary care, we’ve been able to dissolve the stones—avoiding surgery altogether. However, Mister later developed a tumor on his eyelid. On May 13, he underwent successful surgery and is now recovering comfortably beside Beary, his tail thumping in rhythm with hers.
Mister and Beary are a reminder of why we exist: to keep pets safe and loved when their humans can no longer be there. Older, bonded dogs with medical needs are often overlooked. But not here. At The Pet Cottage, they are promised forever.
To keep that promise, we need to plan ahead—just like their mom did.
This month, we invite you to join our Legacy Circle—a growing group of compassionate souls who have included The Pet Cottage in their estate plans. Legacy gifts are one of the most powerful ways you can help ensure we’ll
always be here for pets like Mister and Beary.
Whether you leave a gift in your will, designate The Pet Cottage as a beneficiary, or consider leaving land or property that could serve as a permanent sanctuary, your legacy becomes a lifeline.
We are currently operating our sanctuary on leased land, and it’s working—for now. But our dream is to own a property outright, ensuring we can provide forever homes for pets who are simply too fragile to be placed elsewhere. Pets like bonded pairs, seniors with chronic conditions, or those who just need time to heal.
Your love can live on. It can offer comfort, safety, and healing to pets who have lost everything—and help us keep our Forever Promise.
If you’d like to learn more about joining our Legacy Circle, please reach out to us at info@thepetcottage.org or visit thepetcottage.org/legacy.
To include The Pet Cottage in your will, your attorney may use the following sample language:
“I give and bequeath to The Pet Cottage, Inc., a nonprofit organization located at 17049 Thunder Road,
Jupiter, FL 33478, Tax ID #47-4011633, the sum of $_____ (or ___% of my estate) to be used to further its mission of providing lifelong guardianship for pets whose humans can no longer care for them due to death, disability, or deployment.”
To schedule a visit or for more information about becoming a Forever Guardian call (561) 818-5025.
Mister with a cone
Cookie and Kevin
Michelle and Sally Mister and Beary
Cancer Alliance Of Help & Hope Celebrates The Success Of The 2025 Shop The Day Away Luncheon™
Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope (CAHH) recently hosted a special luncheon at The Colony Hotel to express heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated committee behind the nonprofit’s most successful 2025 Shop The Day Away Luncheon™ to date.
Generously sponsored by The Colony Hotel, the afternoon was filled with camaraderie, celebration, and exquisite cuisine.
“The 2025 Shop The Day Away Luncheon was our most successful luncheon to date, and we are grateful to our Chairs, Kristina Gustafson, Jacqui Michel, and Nancy Stone, along with Honorary Chairs Arlette Gordon and Gail Worth, and CAHH’s distinguished group of accomplished individuals and community partners who joined forces to support the mission of CAHH for local cancer patients in their time of need,” said Stanton Collemer, CEO of Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope.
Sponsors included Title Sponsor, Gloria Herman; International Chair, Ari Rifkin; Grand Benefactor, Rebecca G. Doane, Sheila Buchbinder M.D., Kathleen Walgreen; Reception Sponsor, Addison Hines Charitable Trust; Auction Chair, Julie Kampf; Jewelry Sponsor, Lugano Diamonds; Benefactor Committee, Donna Mulholland, Leigh Anne Kazma, Caroline Lucey, Michelle Worth, David Sarama and Dan Drennen, Elizabeth DeBrule, Susan Hurley Esson, and Barbara Zand; Media Sponsor, Palm Beach Illustrated; Event Sponsors, Gallivant Ltd., The Colony Hotel, Sant Ambroeus Palm Beach, Gary and Linda Lachman, The Palm Beach House; Table Gift Sponsor, OTG|247; and Media Sponsor Palm Beach Illustrated.
Vice Chairs/Platinum: Elizabeth Ailes, Peter and Diane Avonda, Grace Bender, Mara Benjamin – Mara & Arthur Benjamin Foundation, Lori Berg, Martha Bilodeau, Teresa Chope, Virginia Contreras, Chris Cox, Suzanne Mott Dansby, Lora Drasner, Debra Goldenhersh, Linda Lachman, Kerrie Lance, Rosemary Laphen, Lisa Peterfreund – Merrill G + Emita E. Hastings Fnd., Jeff Pfeifle and Dave Granville, Martha Rodriguez, Philo Rosenfeld, Amie Swan, Laura Moore Tanne, and Sarah Wetenhall.
Ambassadors/Gold: Christine Ansbacher, Kristen Baran, Janice Coady, Jan Ricci Feldman, Susan Gibson, Barbara Gilbert – Valley National Bank, Caroline Harless, Cora Longacre, Kathy Marino, Laura Miller – Memorial Healthcare System, Susan Pazmino, Soula Rifkin, Jill Schecter, Terri Schottenstein, and Ana Seley.
Committee/Silver: Erinn Campbell, Jacqueline Cestone, Vera Chapman, Maude Cook, Patricia Cooke, Donna Craft, Margaret Donnelley, Kathy Duffin, Lorre Erlick, Nancy Erlick,
Aida Flamm, Sandra Flax, Marina Galli, Debbie Gross, Lisa Gulley, Sara Harris, Yaz Hernandez, John Herrick, Holly Holden, Anna Houssels, Lisa Huertas, Richard Hurtardo, Cindy Karen, Barbara Kelly, Lisa Koeper, Gabriel Licko, Janet Litow, Hyela Makoujy, Cheryl McKee, Vicky McLoughlin, Jean Meisenzahl, Elena Melegari – Pinko Retail Holdings, Joy Miltenberger, Alisa Moseley, Karen Murray, Kip O’Brien, Sally O’Connor, Michelle Mason Otremba, Angela Page, Amanda Polk, Marjorie PotterKolb, Kathy Prounis, Jon Roberson, Marcia Robbins-Wilf, Joyce Robinson, Danielle Rollins, Deborah Rosen, Leesa Rowland, Julie Rudolph, Oksana Sakal, Jane Scher, Florence Seiler, Elizabeth Siefken-Trimarche, Elen Steinberg, Chris Stenko, Svetlana Tozzi, Cristina Urreiztieta, Michelle Walker, Noele Wein, Lonnie Winter, JoAnn Wurzak, and Fred Zrinscak Jr.
For more information about Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope, please visit CAHH.org.
Photos courtesy of Capehart
Kristina Gustafson, Jacqui Michel and Nancy Stone
Dan Drennen, Jan Feldman and David Sarama
Terri Schottenstein and Adam Gold
Jacqui Michel and Maude Cooke
Diane and Peter Avonda Dee Wade and Craig Dickmann
Sara Harris and Cheryl McKee
Gabe Licko and Gloria Herman Arlette Gordon and Gail Worth
Amie Swan and Julie Kampf
Sheila Buchbinder and Stanton Collemer
Rebecca Doane and Cindy Karen
Mara and Arthur Benjamin
Have A Harmonious Family That Does Not Fight? Still Need An Estate Plan!
By Anné DesormierCartwright, Esq
In many families, everyone gets along, happily gathering for the holidays, sharing laughs, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company. Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies. Suddenly, years of pent-up resentment and hurt feelings surface, and the once-happy family is now embroiled in litigation over the head of the family’s money and property.
Having An Estate Plan Is Crucial To Your Family’s Success
When everyone is alive and happy, it is easy to think that nothing will break a family apart. Many people think that since everyone gets along, estate planning is unnecessary because everyone will look out for one another and do only what is fair. However, having a properly prepared estate plan is crucial. Failing to plan not only takes all the control out of your hands but can also leave hurt feelings and possible confusion over your true wishes. This confusion may force family members to pursue the only source available to resolve the misunderstanding: probate court.
Not Just Any Estate Plan Will Do
While a lack of planning can lead to disastrous consequences, poor planning can be just as harmful. Documents that are outdated, vague, or improperly prepared can lead family members to challenge them. Family members may have differing opinions about your intentions if your documents are unclear. This is especially unfortunate if you have a trust: One of the primary reasons to prepare a trust is to avoid court involvement. A trust contest, however, places your loved ones and the provisions in your trust under court scrutiny.
Contest Clauses
No-contest clauses are not enforceable in Florida. A common situation where contests can arise is when someone is left out of the will or trust. If you want to disinherit a family member intentionally, consider leaving them a nominal amount at your death or identifying them and saying they have been provided for otherwise.
You Can Protect An Inheritance With Proper Planning
Alternatively, if you are concerned about a beneficiary receiving money outright because of creditor issues, spending habits, etc., you need not disinherit or leave them out of your estate plan. Leaving money to a family member does not have to be an all-or-nothing decision. By utilizing a discretionary trust, you can set aside money for the individual to be distributed by a trustee when and how the trustee deems
appropriate. If you do not want to put such tight restrictions on a beneficiary’s inheritance but still want a level of protection, you can have a beneficiary’s inheritance held in a trust and distributed to them at specific ages or when they reach certain milestones. You do not have to leave your loved one an inheritance outright without any requirements or stipulations.
A Proper Estate Plan Can Help Avoid Contests
Having a well-drafted, up-to-date estate plan is crucial regardless of your family situation. Will or trust contests can be costly and quickly drain what you want to leave behind for your loved ones. We can assist you in creating an estate plan that will ensure that your wishes are carried out and that harmony can be maintained within your family after you are gone. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
If you have questions about your estate plan and what documents you should have in place to plan your estate, schedule a free consultation today by calling our office at (561) 694-7827, Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq., Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys PA, 480 Maplewood Drive, Suite 3, Jupiter, FL 33458.
The content of this article is general and should not be relied upon without reviewing your specific circumstances by competent legal counsel. Reliance on the information herein is at your own risk, as it expresses no opinion by the firm on your specific circumstances or legal needs. An attorney client relationship is not created through the information provided.
Top Three Ways To Stand Out When Applying To College
By Peggy Forgan, M.Ed., College Planner
With thousands of applications pouring in each year, colleges are looking for more than just high GPAs and strong test scores. They want to know who you are, what you care about, and how you’ll contribute to their campus community. Here are the top three ways students can make themselves stand out in the college admissions process:
1. Share Your Unique Story
Your personal essay is your chance to go beyond the numbers and show colleges the real you. A compelling story—whether it’s about a challenge you’ve overcome, a lesson you’ve learned, or a passion you’ve pursued—
2. Show Depth In Your Activities
It’s not about how many clubs you join—it’s about the impact you make. Instead of spreading yourself thin, focus on two or three activities that truly matter to you. Whether it’s leading a club, starting a community initiative, or building a creative project, meaningful involvement and leadership demonstrate commitment, passion, and initiative.
3. Pursue A Passion Project Colleges love to see students take initiative outside the classroom. A self-driven project—like launching a nonprofit, starting a podcast, writing a book, or conducting independent research—shows that you’re curious, motivated, and capable of thinking big. Passion projects set you apart because they reflect your interests and your willingness to go above and beyond.
How Class 101 Can Help
At Class 101, we work one-on-one with students to help them discover their unique strengths, set goals, and build a standout college application. From guiding essay writing and identifying leadership opportunities to supporting passion projects and finding the right college
fit, we equip students with the tools and confidence they need to shine. With Class 101, standing out becomes a plan—not a guess.
For more information or to schedule a free 30-minute consultation contact Peggy Forgan at (561) 418-7897 or email pforgan@class101.com
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing Palm Beach County and is a privately owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing dependable, reliable and professional ground transportation to and from all South Florida Airports and Seaports.
To reserve your vehicle: 561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890
www.captainsairport.com
Close to home
See Vision Eye Institute In Wellington Celebrates The Opening Of Their New Location!
See Vision Eye Institute is proud to announce the opening of its new, state-ofthe-art 15,000-square-foot facility in Wellington. The expansive location features 14 advanced exam lanes, a cutting-edge laser suite, two office-based surgical suites, and a full-service optical department. More than just a new building, this facility represents a renewed commitment to delivering world-class eyecare to the community.
“This practice began as a vision—my dream to create a space where patients could access the most advanced eye surgery in a setting that reflects precision, efficiency, and care. With the opening of our new building and the upcoming launch of our surgery center, that dream is now a reality. We’re proud to support the residents of this community with the sophisticated care they deserve—and we’re just getting started.” – Jason Gorscak, M.D., founder and owner Jason Gorscak, M.D.’s training includes undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, medical school at the University of Miami School of Medicine, and residency at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. While in South Florida, he fell in love with the area and the people and decided to bring his vision of offering cutting-edge cataract care and next-gen technology to
Is Your Daughter ADD?
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
“My ten-yearold daughter often has trouble following multistep directions, will lose her place in reading and need to reread, will say ‘huh?’ or ‘what?’ after being given directions, blurts things off topic, has a difficulty staying engaged during lessons, and shows inconsistencies in academic performance.” This mom asked, “Could she be ADD (now called ADHD Inattentive Presentation)?”
These warning signs showed a valid concern and lead her to trust her instincts and seek out professional help in understanding her child. She felt like her daughter might be being manipulative but yet she did not want to scold her for something that she might not always be able to control. Mom also wanted to understand treatment options if it was ADHD, Inattentive Presentation.
Our school neuropsychological evaluation tested many key areas of attention including her sustained attention, attention capacity, impulse control, flexible thinking, memory, and processing speed. The child also completed a self-esteem assessment to gain understanding about how she felt about herself. Emotional health is important for reaching one’s potential.
The results revealed two factors which contributed to her challenges. First, she had slow processing speed. This helped explained her “huh” types of behaviors. She must put in lots of mental effort when learning new content. This drained her mental energy and contributed to her difficulty maintain attention. Once her mental fuel was used, she tuned out, disengaged from learning and showed avoidance behaviors.
The second factor was indeed a deficit in sustained attention. This was validated through interactive tests of attention, a computerized test of attention, and by having others complete behavioral rating scales. We discussed the different treatment options, and this mom decided to first work on increasing her underlying processing speed prior to considering other treatments. This mom also planned to share the results with her school to give understanding and obtain accommodations.
Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com.
fruition by creating See Vision Eye Institute. Dr. Gorscak achieves remarkable outcomes by combining his exceptional surgical expertise with an emphasis on creating strong patient-doctor relationships.
At See Vision Eye Institute, the team is committed to delivering the most advanced vision correction available today. The new facility and surgery center will feature the latest in cataract surgery technology, including image-guided systems and femtosecond laser-assisted techniques for unmatched precision and safety. We offer a full range of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs)— including toric, multifocal, and light-adjustable options— allowing patients to reduce dependence on glasses and achieve customized visual outcomes. For those seeking an alternative to LASIK, we specialize in refractive lens exchange (RLE) and the implantation of collamer lenses (ICLs), which provide a safe, effective solution for patients with high refractive errors or thin corneas. Every technology we adopt is chosen with one goal: to help our patients live better by seeing better.
“Opening our new facility—and soon, our surgery center—is more than just growth; it’s the realization of our purpose. From cataract surgery to refractive lens exchange, we deliver solutions that empower people to live their best lives. As we expand, we remain deeply committed to becoming an employer of choice—investing in great people, great outcomes, and a facility where excellence is the standard. This expansion reflects our long-term vision for leading ophthalmic care in Palm Beach County.” – Myra Cherchio, CEO
The See Vision Eye Institute team is ready to welcome you into a space that reflects the way they care—clearly, intentionally, and without compromise.
Jason Gorscak, M.D.
Cardinal Newman Graduates Earn Spots At Top Colleges And Universities
At Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS) in West Palm Beach, the goal of education extends beyond academic achievement—it’s about shaping students in spirit, mind, and body. That commitment to educating the whole person is central to the school’s mission, reflected in the exceptional college acceptances earned by the Class of 2025.
Cardinal Newman is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school that offers students a personalized and purposedriven educational experience rooted in faith, service, and academic rigor. With an emphasis on leadership, critical thinking, and character formation, students are equipped to thrive in college and beyond.
“We are committed to helping every student discover the path that best fits their goals and passions,” said CNHS President Charles Stembler. “At Cardinal Newman, our academic programs and faith-based values prepare students to succeed at the highest levels.”
The Class of 2025 was accepted to an impressive array of colleges and universities. Among them are Harvard University, the U.S. Military Academies (including the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and West Point), and top-tier institutions such as the University of Notre Dame, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Boston College, Villanova University, Wake Forest University, and Northeastern University.
Financial Focus®
Carefully Consider Social Security Decisions
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
Your Social Security benefits can be an important part of your retirement income – but when should you start collecting them? It’s a big decision, so you’ll want to consider your options carefully.
Essentially, you’ll need to decide whether you’re going to take your benefits as early as possible – age 62 – or if you should wait until your “full retirement age” or even longer. If you begin accepting benefits at 62, they’ll be about 30 percent lower than if you waited until your full retirement age, which is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. And if you wait until 70, your benefits will be about 24 percent higher than at your full retirement age.
Crusaders also received acceptances to prestigious SEC schools like Auburn University, the University of Georgia, and Louisiana State University, as well as leading arts programs including the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and Ringling College of Art and Design.
“For some of our students, this is the continuation of a family legacy. For others, it’s the first time anyone in their family is going to college,” said College Counselor Candace Caterina. “Each journey is unique, and we celebrate everyone.”
Through one-on-one college counseling, access to financial aid resources, and visits from more than 100 college representatives each year, Cardinal Newman supports students in identifying their calling and reaching their fullest potential—living out its mission of “Building Life’s Champions.”
In deciding when to claim benefits, you’ll want to weigh these factors:
• Income needs – If you need the money to help meet your daily cost of living, then you may not feel you have much of a choice about when to take Social Security. However, if you have sufficient income from other sources, such as your 401(k) or other retirement accounts, you may be able to delay taking benefits until they’re much larger.
• Employment – If you’re still working and you haven’t reached your full retirement age yet, it might be a good idea to wait before claiming Social Security because your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above $23,400. In the year in which you reach your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 earned above $62,160. (But once you reach your full retirement age, Social Security will adjust your payments to credit you for the months during which your benefits were lowered because of your income.)
• Life expectancy – None of us can say for certain how long we’ll live – but you may have some hints. For example, if you have a family history of longevity, and you’re in good health, you might decide it makes sense to delay taking Social Security until your full retirement age, or even later, as you could potentially have more years of receiving larger checks.
• Spouse – If you’re married, decisions about when to claim benefits could affect you or your spouse. The spouse with lower Social Security payments may be eligible to receive spousal benefits, which, when combined with their own benefits, can reach up to 50 percent of the higher-benefit spouse’s payment at their full retirement age. To qualify, the lower-benefit spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age must be less than half of the other spouse’s full-retirement-age benefit. But if the lowerbenefit spouse claims their benefits before their full retirement age, their own retirement benefit and the spousal benefit will be reduced. Also, the lower-benefit spouse reaches their maximum benefit amount at their full retirement age – they won’t receive additional benefits even if they or the higher-benefit spouse delays taking benefits past their respective full retirement ages.
One other point to keep in mind: If the higher-benefit spouse claims early, the survivor benefit to the other spouse is reduced, but if the higher-benefit spouse delays their benefit beyond their full retirement age, the survivor benefit is increased. By making the appropriate choices, you can help maximize your Social Security benefits – and possibly enjoy a more comfortable retirement.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
To learn more about Cardinal Newman High School and view the complete list of college acceptances, visit cardinalnewman.com.
