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LIFESTYLE LETTER

We Love Local!

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Hey #SoFu! I can’t wait for V-Day, to indulge in all the sweet excuses to enjoy the season. I love chocolates and roses and spoiling my person and myself! I even shower my not-so-little son A.J. with stuffed animals and handwritten notes to give him a tangible expression of love. To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? We hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in your local community. If you’re in the market for a luxury purse or clothing item, maybe leave this copy where hubby will see our story on our #SoFu neighbor Tunu Pookrum, a cutting-edge fashion designer! While we teeter between the chill of January winter and the excitement of spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. The ones in your home and on your street. In your neighborhood and your community. “Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community - but it also means loving what is near. So grab a coffee at Buzz Coffee and Wine on Cascade and curl up with Juliet Hall’s new book! And give your family some extra love, too! We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do alone. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month. Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like. We hope that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before.

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kyra Hatter | Kshatter@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Shandra Hill Smith, Elbert Johnson CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Alex Haney, Gerrell Farries, Dorian Faulk, Eric Jordan, David Manigault

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Happy February, y’all!

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

ERIKK A SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR @ S O U T H F U LT O N L I F E S T Y L E

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

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Proverbs 3:5-6 SOFU Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Fulton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SOFU Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Tra p M u s i c M u s e u m i s a n i n t e ra c t i ve ex p e r i e n c e t h a t u s e s a r t t o s h ow c a s e t h e r i c h c u l t u r e o f t ra p m u s i c , o n e o f t h e m o s t p o p u l a r g e n r e s o f m u s i c t o d ay.

“TRAP MUSIC MUSEUM ISN’T JUST ABOUT MUSIC BUT ALSO ABOUT THE CULTURE THAT INSPIRES.” 4 04 - 367- 0 860 | TR AP M USICM USEUM .US 6 3 0 TR AV I S STR EE T, NO RTH WEST ATLANTA H O U R S : M O N DAY - W E N D E S DAY : C LO S E D T H U R S DAY : 4 : 0 0 P M - 1 0 : 0 0 P M (S I P A N D TR A P H A P P Y H OUR) F R I DAY : 4 : 0 0 P M - 1 2 : 0 0 A M

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inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Tunu Pookrum

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Artist’s Palette

Culinary Creations

Must See

Open House

Financial Buzz

Trend Setter

Locals Only

Local Fashion Designer Takes Over the Fashion Game!

20 Charleston Charm

Let's Take a Road Trip Through History!

34 Are You Turning 65?

3 Tips for Getting Medicare Right In 2023

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Tunu Pookrum #SoFu Resident and Fashion Designer Tunu Pookrum shows us some local love with her fabulous creations!

LI FE + C U LT U R E FO O D + B EV E R AG E

T R AV EL LI FE + C U LT U R E FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1-7: Pearls of Purpose Foundation presented 2022 Pink Pizzazz: Porsche Experience Second Lap. Valencia Bean served as President of the Foundation and Nu Lambda Omega Chapter 2019-2022.

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @southfultonlifestyle

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1-7: Gagnant Media and VTV presented a Christmas Partay at Studio House Atlanta.

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Hot Wing King From P-Valley Creator at the Alliance Winner of the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “The Hot Wing King” is a fierce new comedy about the risks and rewards of celebrating who you are. It’s time for Memphis’s annual “Hot Wang Festival,” and Cordell knows he has the wings that’ll make him king. But when faced with a family emergency, the firstplace trophy isn’t the only thing that Cordell risks losing. Written and directed by Katori Hall. Plays Feb 10- Mar 5.

Author Talk: Zara Houshmand at High Museum Zara Houshmand, coauthor of Monir Farmanfarmaian’s memoir A Mirror Garden, will share her experiences of collaborating with the artist on a book that draws on their overlapping experiences and memories of life as young women in Iran. Between the two, empathy becomes a conscious creative tool that bridges very different art forms for an intimate expression of personality and an open-ended exploration of form. Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 to 8 p.m.

Scan to read more. Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian (Iranian, 1922–2019), Third Family: Heptagon, 2011, mirror, reverse-painted glass, and plaster on wood and PVC. Photo byPhoebe d'Heurle, courtesy the estate of the artist andJames Cohan, New York.©Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the Fox Theatre An uplifting comeback story like no other, “Tina- The Tina Turner Musical” is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Featuring her much loved songs, “Tina- The Tina Turner Musical” is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd. Runs Feb. 21 – 26.

Photography by Alex Haney

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Tunu Pookrum TAKING OVER THE FASHION GAME

| PHOTO BY DORIAN FAULK

ARTICLE BY ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL The Tunu Pookrum atelier produces leather goods and apparel for men and women alike. A native of Detroit, Tunu Pookrum is a Spelman grad and a #SoFu resident. We are honored to call her one of our readers! She is a couturier who specializes in handmade luxury “leather sculptures,” including unique exclusive offerings. “I’m a fashion designer,” she says. “But I consider what I do a fusion between art and fashion. I often make 1-of-1 pieces and I seek to offer the new and not yet seen. I’m an African American woman who took my talents and jumped into fashion. My business is considered small but it’s growing! I’m trying to bust the whole fashion game wide open and take the joint over!”

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | L IFE + CULTURE

| PHOTO BY TUNU POOKRUM

| PHOTO BY TUNU POOKRUM | PHOTO BY TUNU POOKRUM

CREATIVE PROCESS Pookrum says, “I often get ‘Eureka!’ moments when I am inspired to create a piece. Ideas will pop into my head out of thin air or I may have a dream about an idea which sets me on the path of creation. When I’m working with animal skins in particular, I’m very attentive because not all skins perform the same. Some are more pliable to work with than others so I allow the skins to show me what they’re willing to do and I’ll create designs around that. Then there’s just moments where I just want a cute new bag to go with an outfit so I open my mind for those ideas to flow.”

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

| PHOTO BY TUNU POOKRUM

STYLE TIPS FOR 2023 AND BEYOND! A style tip for 2023 and from here on out is that color is no longer seasonal. “We used to save the darker colors for the colder months, but vibrant colors have permeated the colder months too. Plus, the benefits of wearing colors goes far beyond standing out. We know that levels of depression increase in the colder months because of the lack of sunlight and seeing those vibrant colors actually stimulates the brain and ups your mood so get some colorful staples in your wardrobe.” For pricing and purchasing info, visit TunuPookrum.com. | PHOTO BY ERIC JORDAN

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | L IFE + CULTURE

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STUFFED SALMON WITH CAJUN CREAM AND WHITE WINE RISOTTO

ARTICLE BY CHEF V OF SWEET FUSION

THE SWEET FUSION EXPERIENCE WITH CHEF V! The Sweet Fusion Experience, previously known as Sweet Heat ATL, was established in June 2019 by Veronica Madison better known as Chef V. With a desire to provide a more luxurious food experience, The Sweet Fusion Experience by Chef V was born. The goal with rebranding was to provide a more diverse menu that would accommodate any style of dining from family cookouts to weddings and fine dining servicing the Atlanta area and beyond. Chef V enjoys the opportunity to create lasting memories by tailoring her clients’ catering experience to the theme of their event, being certain to apply attention to detail to not only the menu but her presentation as well. Most of her spices and sauce blends are crafted from scratch and allow for the perfect unique dining experience. Through her passion for spreading love through her gift of creating delicious cuisine Chef V creates experiences that will leave guests reminiscing for quite some time. Check out one of her favorite and most popular recipes.

Ingredients: Salmon • 2-4 Skinless Salmon Fillets 6oz • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • 2 cups water • 4oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese • ½ cup spinach (shredded) • 2 tablespoons Julienne Cut Sundried Tomatoes • ¼ cup Italian blend Cheese • ½ tablespoon SFX Vegetable Seasoning • ½ tablespoon SFX Spice Rub • 1/4 cup SFX Cajun Cream • ¼ teaspoon butter

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Risotto • 1 ½ cups Arborio Rice • 2 garlic cloves • 3 tablespoons shallots, minced • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine • 2 tablespoons Butter • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil • 4 cups hot Chicken or Vegetable Broth • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese • ¼ teaspoon of Pink Himalayan Salt

Salmon Prep: Mix lemon juice with water and submerge salmon. Set aside. Mix cream cheese, spinach, tomatoes, Italian cheese blend, and vegetable seasoning in a small bowl. Cover and set aside. Rinse salmon with cold water and blot dry with a paper towel. Cut a 2” slit on the side of each salmon filet. Apply small amount of spice rub to each fillet. Remember, a little goes a long way! Once all fillets are seasoned, fill slits with cream cheese mixture. Melt butter over medium heat and pan sear fillets on each side to desired temperature. For a more tender and juicy filet, cook medium well.

Risotto Prep: Heat oil and butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots. Saute until shallots are tender, about 2 minutes. Add rice and stir until all grains are coated and slightly translucent, about 2 minutes. Add wine and stir continuously over medium high heat until all wine is absorbed. Add broth, one cup at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more broth. Use enough broth to cook until rice reaches desired tenderness. Remove from heat and add cheese. Salt to taste. Want to add a little excitement? Drizzle with a little black truffle oil and mix thoroughly before plating. **Heat SFX Cajun Cream enough to reduce for pouring. Drizzle over salmon and risotto. Enjoy! To add the SFX Spice Collection to your pantry, visit SweetFusionExperience.com/Products.

Charleston

Char m

ARTICLE BY SHANDRA HILL SMITH

The rich history of Charleston, South Carolina, the state’s oldest and second-largest city, proves a draw not only in February, Black History Month, but also year-round. Examining that history within a twoto-three-day trip is possible, but you may likely find you’ll need, and want, to return to cover it all and even revisit some of your stops.

History Abounds

Charleston’s history with slavery is one that largely shapes this city, as reportedly close to 40% of enslaved people who entered the United States did so through Charleston. Lessons of that past are on display at the Old Slave Mart Museum, which is housed at the Old Slave Mart, considered the last surviving slave auction gallery in South Carolina. Exhibits include displays of iron wrist and leg shackles typically used by Southern plantation owners to restrain enslaved people and receipts documenting payments for those enslaved. Also on display is information on who bought slaves and why, slave traders and on how enslaved people contributed to the landscape,

the arts, literature, music and more. One particular exhibit, “Transitions,” tells of how South Carolina “had the second largest population of free people of color — free Blacks — in the lower South.” For more history, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, gives a look at life as a slave on a Carolina plantation — this particular one founded in 1681 by Englishman major John Boone. At Boone Hall, through a self-guided tour, you’ll have a chance to take an up-close look at nine original slave cabins. You’ll also have an opportunity of a live presentation of the Gullah culture, with descendants of the Gullah people giving a look at the culture’s history through song, dance and storytelling.

Family Fun

A visit to the local aquarium often proves a win for families and most any visitor. The South Carolina Aquarium overlooking the Charleston Harbor is home to more than 5,000 animals and includes the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery, with sick and injured sea turtles that are in rehabilitation. As you read about the respective journeys of the sea turtles, you’ll root for and celebrate their milestones. Hands-on experiences with stingrays, sharks, sea stars, urchins and horseshoe crabs also are possible. Looking to get in a bit of beach time? Charleston has a number of beaches to choose from, including

If you go, visit the following websites for more info: OldSlaveMartMuseum.com BooneHallPlantation.com SCAquarium.org KesslerCollection.com/Bohemian-Charleston/ CharlestonCVB.com

M UST SE E | TR AVEL

Folly Beach, located on the 12-mile barrier island of Folly Beach, which will mark its 50th year with a celebration in September 2023. Steps from the beach, visitors will find dining options and locally owned stores along with plenty of live music. A trip to Charleston also calls for a visit to Waterfront Park, an 8-acre park that serves up views of the Charleston Harbor, along with water fun at the property’s Pineapple Fountain, where kids and adults may play in the water. Take a walk on one of the walking paths or a seat on a park bench and absorb the scenic and relaxing views as well as all the action. With a good read in hand or just a desire to sit and take it all in, you’ll find, like this writer, hours could pass before you’re ready to move on.

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

Relax in Grand Style

A stay at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston takes you away to a world filled with art, chic surroundings indoors and, from a rooftop terrace, vast views of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. This 50-room boutique hotel, in Charleston’s Historic District, at the corner of Wentworth and Meeting streets, is part of the Kessler Collection. The chic décor of the Grand Bohemian Hotel — also part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection — greets you the minute you step into the property, where, at check-in, you’ll be welcomed with complimentary champagne. At check-in or after you’ve settled in some, step into the downstairs Grand Bohemian Art Gallery, where you’ll find original works from local and international artists — in keeping with the Kessler Collection’s signature style of showcasing original and unique artwork that visitors may purchase. The art experience doesn’t end there though, as there’s art to be found on each floor, in the public areas such as ballrooms and hallways, as well as inside guest rooms. Through classes with experienced sommeliers, couples and singles alike can enjoy a wine-blending experience at Grand Bohemian. The property says it is the first stand-alone hotel in the United States to offer wine-blending classes, through which you may create a custom blend of your own with your own bottle label. Looking for a getaway where you can relax and have time to examine and reflect, whether during Black History Month or year-round? You’ll find it all within about a 5-hour drive from metropolitan Atlanta. Whether looking for history, art or fun in the sun, you’ll find it all wrapped up in the charming city of Charleston.

M UST SE E | TR AVEL

O w n You r Oppor t u n it ies! Juliet Hall Presents a New Book on Self-Discovery

Own Your Opportunities: A Story of Self-Discovery and Self-Determination by Juliet Hall is a self-portrait of a Black woman in corporate America who discovers her value and walks away from a company to pursue sanity and the freedom to realize her dream. Vividly written, Own Your Opportunities champions self-belief and dream fulfillment for women who may feel disillusioned and overwhelmed in corporate America. The story begins with Juliet Hall making a career-defining decision to leave a company after being told her desired career path would not happen. She then recounts her job experiences spanning 20 years—building a narrative to show how she evolved, discovered her gifts, and succeeded in a career amidst a backdrop of corporate trauma before making the pivot to realize her dream. No matter the opposition—whether it’s family and tradition, systemic bias and marginalization, or difficult leadership—there is always a path forward. In this book, readers will learn how she identified her value and gifts, refused to be put into a box and allow others to define success for her, and took responsibility for her own growth and development. Own Your Opportunities is available on all platforms (hardcover, audiobook and E-book) and may be purchased wherever books are sold.

O PE N H OU SE | L IFE + CULTURE

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What's New for the 2023 Tax Year? Here’s what’s new and some key items taxpayers should consider before filing this year.

REPORTING RULES CHANGED FOR FORM 1099-K Taxpayers should have received Form 1099-K, in support of payment card and third-party network transactions, by January 31, 2023, if you received third-party payments in 2022 for goods and services that exceeded $600. There’s no change to the taxability of income. All income, including part-time work, side jobs, or the sale of goods and

services is still taxable. Taxpayers must report all income on their tax return unless it’s excluded by law, whether they receive a Form 1099-K, a Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, W-2, or any other information return. As of 2022 a single transaction exceeding $600 would require a third-party platform to issue a 1099-K to the receipt. Money received through third-party payment networks from friends and relatives as personal gifts or reimbursements for personal expenses is not taxable.

ARTICLE BY ALEX MING

F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

It is important, particularly for “early filers” who typically file a tax return during the month of January or early February to ensure they have all their key income documents before submitting a tax return. Extra caution can save people additional time and effort in avoiding having to make additional payments along with having to file an amended tax return if they have untaxed income that isn’t reflected on the tax return that they initially file.

CERTAIN TAX CREDITS RETURN TO 2019 LEVELS Affected taxpayers will receive a significantly smaller refund compared with the previous tax year. These changes include amounts for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and Child and Dependent Care Credit. • Those who got $3,600 per dependent in 2021 for the CTC will, if eligible, get $2,000 for the 2022 tax year. • For the EITC, eligible taxpayers with no children who received roughly $1,500 in 2021 will now get $500 in 2022. • The Child and Dependent Care Credit returns to a maximum of $2,100 in 2022 instead of $8,000 in 2021.

within 21 days, they caution taxpayers not to rely on receiving a 2022 federal tax refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills. Some returns require additional review and may take longer to process if IRS systems detect a possible error, or the return is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. In addition, the IRS cannot issue refunds for people claiming the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. The law requires the IRS to hold the entire refund—not just the portion associated with EITC or ACTC.

LAST QUARTERLY PAYMENT FOR 2022 WAS DUE JANUARY 17, 2023 Taxpayers may need to consider estimated or additional tax payments due to non-wage income from unemployment, self-employment, annuity income, or even digital assets. Please contact your tax preparer for assistance in determining if you have a need to consider an additional tax payment to avoid an unexpected tax bill when you file.

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Each taxpayer should now be compiling their important tax information in one place. This includes yearend income documents like Forms W-2 from employers, Forms 1099 from banks or other payers, Form 1099-K from third-party payment networks, Form 1099-NEC for non-employee compensation, Form 1099-MISC for miscellaneous income, or Form 1099-INT if you were paid interest, as well as records documenting all digital asset transactions. Ensuring your tax records are complete before filing helps tax preparers avoid errors or omissions that lead to processing delays. When you have all your documentation, you are then in the best position to file an accurate return and avoid processing or refund delays or IRS letters.

that lead to

processing delays.

In 2022 those who take a standard deduction may not take an above-theline deduction for charitable donations.

MORE PEOPLE MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PREMIUM TAX CREDIT For 2022, taxpayers may still qualify for temporarily expanded eligibility for the premium tax credit.

ELIGIBILITY RULES CHANGED TO CLAIM A TAX CREDIT FOR CLEAN VEHICLES Please reach out to your tax preparer to review these changes to ensure your vehicle qualifies for a clean vehicle credit.

HOW TO AVOID REFUND DELAYS Numerous factors can affect the timing of a refund from the IRS. While the IRS issues most refunds

At Alexander Fitzgerald & Associates, LLC, we’re always game to help you think things through to suit your specific tax situation. Please contact us at 470.207.8717 for a consultation.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

LET'S PLAY PICKLEBALL! The Game is Growing in South Fulton Once a game for retirees, pickleball is now gaining popularity with younger generations nationwide. Pickleball is a fun mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a mini-tennis court with a plastic paddle and ball. Thanks to its quick learning curve and accessibility, pickleball is becoming popular across the United States and here in the cities of #SoFu. “Getting started is easy. All you need is a paddle and ball. You can find affordable options on Amazon and be out playing in no time,” says Jackie Cheun, co-founder of the @Pickleballchicks. Now, there are about 35,000 pickleball courts in the U.S., according to National Geographic—more than double the amount in 2020. And in the past half-decade, the number of pickleball courts in Georgia has more than tripled (BizJournals.com). With our pleasant climate and active population, it’s easy to see why pickleball is growing here. See all the best places to play pickleball in the Atlanta area at Pickleheads.com.

PLACES TO PLAY PICKLEBALL IN SOUTH FULTON AND NEARBY Here are the top places to play nearby: South Fulton Tennis Center: Here you’ll find four outdoor dedicated pickleball courts. There are no court fees or memberships; you’ll just need to make a reservation ahead of time. Deer Lick Park: This park is filled with fun activities like basketball courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. There are five courts with lines overlaid on tennis courts. Painted Pickle: Meet Atlanta’s newest upcoming “entertainment” concept. You can enjoy sushi, cheese boards, salads, and more, all while playing. You can even order wine and craft beer! Opening Spring 2023. Atlanta Pickleball Center: This new facility is home to 10 indoor courts. During the winter months, this is one of the area’s best options. Fees run $8 per hour per person. Atlanta-Pickleball.com So come on #SoFu, let’s get out there and play pickleball!

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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3 Tips for Getting Medicare Right If You Are Turning 65 In 2023 If you are turning 65 in 2023, there are some important decisions you need to start thinking about if you are considering signing up for Medicare. It is important to remember that Medicare’s Core Parts A and B are not free. Typically, there is no direct cost to you for Part A coverage, however, the Part B coverage has a monthly premium in 2023 of $164.90, which is deducted directly from your Social Security payment.

CONSIDER THESE THREE IMPORTANT TIPS FOR GETTING MEDICARE RIGHT: 1. ENROLL AT THE RIGHT TIME. Medicare has a bewildering mix of enrollment periods. You need to use the right one. Three months before you decide to retire and give up your employer’s health plan, you will want to sign up for Medicare. Please, do it early. Remember, Medicare is a big government agency, and they rarely do things quickly.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MIX OF MEDICARE COVERAGE. There are only two main paths here. One is Original Medicare (Parts A and B), perhaps with a Medigap supplemental policy, plus a Part D prescription drug plan. The other is a Medicare Advantage plan.

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