Finances 50+

Treasurer Eichenberg, Legislators Salazar, Tallman, Padilla Make List of “Super Savers”

A state task force is considering ways to help more workers in New Mexico save for retirement. According to a 2016 study, more than half of private-sector workers in the state do not have a way to save for their future through payroll deductions.

AARP New Mexico is conducting an Operation Stop Scams event, offering free document shredding, this Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Santa Fe Place Mall, 4250 Cerrillos Road, in Santa Fe, next to the old Sears building. The event is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants are limited to two Xerox-type boxes or 50 pounds of materials.

Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), the state’s largest electricity provider, is asking the state Public Regulation Commission to approve its second rate hike in two years. The utility says it needs the extra money to help shut down two coal-fired power plants in northwestern New Mexico.

Shredder can be your best friend in thwarting ID thieves

As part of its ongoing efforts to help consumers avoid falling victim to identity theft, AARP New Mexico will join in “ Shred Fest 2016” to help consumers safely dispose of their financial documents with free document shredding events in Santa Fe and Las Cruces that are open to the public. Both events are Saturday, April 30 th.

While the 2016 State Legislative Session was somewhat anticlimactic -- largely due to revenue projections falling far short of expectations -- several bills supported by AARP New Mexico still managed to make it to Governor Susana Martinez’s desk.

State Legislators in Santa Fe are facing some difficult financial decisions as budget projections of $232 million in new money have dwindled to $30 million. As the debate gets ready to enter the Senate, AARP New Mexico is watching budget negotiations to ensure that senior services and programs are maintained.

Medicare and Medicaid will celebrate their 50 th Anniversary Thursday, July 30 th, and the New Mexico Health Care for All Coalition, along with AARP New Mexico and other community partners, is inviting everyone to a special celebration. This free event will take place July 30 th at the Explora Museum, 1701 Mountain Road NW, in Albuquerque, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Participants can also visit the museum prior to the event.

While Memorial Day marks the official kick-off to summer and people’s thoughts turn to travel and family barbecues, AARP New Mexico volunteers and staff will spend part of their summer on the road driving around the state helping to answer people’s questions about Social Security and sharing tips on how to spot a scam and prevent identity theft.