When I first joined NARFE I was still employed. I found the magazine interesting; the articles were mostly pertinent information that I hadn't seen elsewhere...lots on congressional stuff. But I had honestly believed, since this was called the Nat'l Assoc of Retired Fed Emp organization, that the rate would go down when I did retire. They used a weird calculator to think there was more money available for subscriptions without a pay check than I had with one. So I didn't renew....
The chapter stuff was of no interest to me: I see by 2moryrs note that is being accommodated.
Good thoughts from all of you. I just know that without the dedication of members working behind the scenes with our best interests in mind, that federal employees and retirees would have lost a lot more, sooner than later. Now the economy, to some degree, is driving the "decision" makers in the Capitol. Check out www.ProtectAmericasHeartland.org for some information that NARFE is compiling to try and educate the new legislators at the Capitol. It is still mho that becoming a member of NARFE is still the wisest decision that a federal employee or retiree can make. It costs me $3.59 per month from my annuity, which is less than a tall latte at Starbucks. I used to get one about every other day! The increase that hurt the most was the health insurance premium, $175.08 increased to $187.18. Watch and see what the congressional pundits come up with next. If you thought the President's Non-Partisan Commission was just an exercise, you have another thought coming. Slowly and insidiously the recommendations of that commission are being brought to the table during the budget wrangling. Three year high salary to five year high salary to calculate retirements, vourchers to go out and purchase health care insurance on the "free" market, salary/hiring freezes. If you are not scared with what COULD happen, you should be. New way to calculate colas, may be coming, IF we even return to receiving colas.
Just sayin', it COULD get a lot worse, financially. And I don't want to go back to work just to put food in my pantry!
colleen
No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace.
Just need to post a few updates here regarding NARFE. They have updated their website and made some information more accessable I believe. And I gave the wrong web address for ProtectAmericasHeartbeat.org.
In August, I attended my first NARFE National Convention. The battles that are coming are real. Most battles will affect current employees, not so much retirees and survivor annuitants. But, that said, keep your ears and eyes open to what could happen here, as it is happening in Europe. We are not immune to some sort of austerity measure. We can't continue the tax and spend mentality that is currently afoot in Washington, D.C.
I'm just sayin' the other shoe will eventuall drop.
Also, NARFE has created online chapters. Those who don't wish to attend a brick and mortar meeting can participate online. Membership fee for all members is $40.00 (plus chapter dues if you belong to a chapter) per year. Best $40.00 I have spent to protect what I earned for 34 years.
Last edited by 2moryrs; 10-01-2012 at 11:25 AM. Reason: corrections and spelling
Coming up in August of 2016 34th National NARFE Convention in Reno, NV. If you are interested check out NARFE website for link to convention website.
No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace.
Based on my recent conversations with NARFE, I don't see any help for us unless there is a mass demand for action to improve the TSP 2MY. However, they do a lot for us so I'm not being too complaining.. If they can't change the IFT times, or add more IFTs for Feds, maybe they can add a hedge fund or two so we have another option on playing our portfolios. Just food for thought.
FS
FogSailing
Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.
FS,
In these economic conditions, NARFE is strongly fighting just to hold on to our earned benefits for retirees; let alone fight for adding to the TSP. They are also fighting for current employees' benefits that have taken major hits over the last three years.
I suspect you have the same idea as a lot of Feds that NARFE is a union. IT IS NOT A UNION.
When our membership numbers were over 400,000 strong, we had a lot of clout in Congress (numbers do count). Now, as attrition takes down our numbers, Congress is wondering why they should listen to us anymore. In 2015 we dodged eight big attacks on our earned benefits and health benefits. If we lose a benefit, or have a significant change to any of them, we won't be able to "fix" it.
$40 bucks a year, plus chapter dues if you choose to join one, is a small amount to protect what you earned. I would be happy to buy you a membership so you could find out about the organization.
2moryrs
No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace.
No. Not at all 2MY. I have belonged to NARFE for 15 years and still do. I appreciate all they do to lobby the Hill and work to maintain our benefits. Tough job with a tough crowd. No illusions on my part. I just wish the TSP could be improved for Feds.
Thanks 2MY!
FS
FogSailing
Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.
Anybody who is a member of NARFE, please plan on attending the National Convention Aug 28 - Sep 1, 2016 in Reno, NV. Please see the NARFE website for a link to the convention website. Online registration is now open.
2MY
No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace.
At the NARFE Convention in Reno, NV. The delegates voted for a resolution allowing one member, one vote. This means all members will vote on NARFE issues if they so choose. The delegates also voted to go to optional chapter membership. This will likely be the demise of chapters and then State Federations. Who knows?
It will take time to figure out the voting thing; via the magazine which all members get, or separate mailings to all members, or? At the next Conference (they will no longer be called Conventions) in 2018 at Jacksonville, FL we will see what the Future of NARFE will look like.
Current employees and retirees, NARFE needs your membership now more than ever. On the legislative webinar yesterday, to hear the NARFE legislative staff tell us that they have never felt the threats to our pay and earned benefits were so serious as as they are now, was very sobering. Our numbers are down due to many reasons, but the effect is that we are losing the ear of Congress like never before. There is strength in numbers and we as slowly losing our strength. The Federal family has no other organization protecting what you worked so hard to earn.
Please wake up before it is too late. Once a benefit is lost it almost never can be regained.
Thanks for reading.
No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace.
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