We’ve been in this pandemic now for close to a year, which means if you’re single, you’ve probably been alone every night binging on Neflix. That can start feeling pretty lonely, right?

You’d love someone to share the long nights with, but you’re not sure just how to do that in a pandemic where full and partial lockdowns are happening everywhere. You might even think finding love in these times is impossible. I disagree!

Pandemic Dating?

I think you still can date but not in the conventional way you’re used to. We all need to do social distancing and wear masks to stay safe during these uncertain times. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of finding the right man to share your heart and life with.

You can still go online to meet men. Remember, online dating sites have the largest number of registered single men, and men – just like you – are tired of being alone and want to meet a wonderful woman to share their life with.

Go Virtual!

So how do you make this work? Well, here’s the secret for finding love during a pandemic. You want to virtually date. What does this mean? You meet a man you like online and the two of you schedule a virtual date.

The options are many. You can do a coffee meet and greet where you meet on Face Time (Apple), Google Duo (Android), Skype or What’s App. You both bring your favorite coffee or tea to your best home space and then log in to meet.

By the way it’s a good conversation starter to discuss what you’re drinking as you get to know each other virtually.

Or you do a virtual Happy Hour with your favorite glass of wine. Both of these options are better than a phone call because you get to see each other. This is a great way to see each other’s body language cues.

A Different Kind of Start

If you like each other and decide to do it again, this is an opportunity to get to know someone on a whole different level than you would have in the past. You get to build a friendship first without throwing the chemistry element in too quickly.

Meeting Outside

When you’re ready to meet, you want to discuss where each of you goes everyday so you know the exposure you’ve both had.

If it’s not too cold, you can meet at a park or take a walk with masks on. And if you’re in warmer weather, you might be able to share a picnic outside staying 6 feet apart. If you like each other and want to take it to the next step without masks and social distancing, you can both get tested so you both feel safe.

Love Has Not Taken a Break

So many of my clients have found love during this time, and they are really happy. I believe that people are yearning for connection and that has made it easier to skip so much of the game playing that happened in the past.

My best advice is to give it a try. Just stay safe and have fun. You might find love with a good man, or you might find a great male friend to share virtual or real time with and who could brighten your day. How fun would that be?

What is your experience with dating in the past? Have phone calls worked for you? Do you think virtual meet-ups are better? Have you had a virtual coffee date? How did it go? Please share with our community!

Each year, Medicare benefits, i.e., terms of coverage, change, and for the most part, the costs increase. But Medicare isn’t the only option that sees changes. Medicare Advantage plans and Part D drug plans have coverage changes too.

In 2021, Medicare expands telehealth and transitions to a value-based healthcare system. Medicare Advantage plans begin accepting End-Stage Renal Disease patients, and many policies offer coverage for long-term care.

Yet, these are only some of the ways Medicare is evolving. Below we’ll dive further into how benefits and costs for Medicare are changing in 2021.

Understanding Changes Coming to Original Medicare: Parts A and B

It seems like once you memorize the cost of Medicare, those prices increase. Keeping up with these changes can be like taming a beast: seemingly impossible. Thankfully, every year, Medicare sends out the “Medicare and You” handbook that lists all the benefit and cost changes coming for the new year.

Part A: Inpatient Care Cost Increases

The majority of seniors qualify for premium-free Part A. But, for those that pay for Part A, it costs up to $471 in 2021. If you pay Medicare taxes for 30-39 quarters, the standard Part A premium is increasing to $259.

The deductibles and coinsurance increase for 2021 are as follows:

• $1,484 deductible for each benefit period.
• The coinsurance for days 61-90 is increasing to $371 each day per benefit period.
• The coinsurance for days 90 and beyond will increase to $742 per day for each benefit period.

Tip: Medigap plans can cover these deductibles and coinsurances so that you don’t need to stress about these large numbers.

Part B: Outpatient Care Cost Increases and Benefits Expand

Medicare begins to cover 12 acupuncture visits within 90 days for chronic lower back pain. And they cover eight more sessions if there is an improvement.

Telehealth services are virtual doctor visits. Medicare will cover virtual visits for services that would typically occur in a doctors’ office. Care could include psychotherapy, consultations, and more.

The Part B premium varies depending on income. People with a higher income will pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount. Those with a low income may have a lower premium. But the standard monthly Part B premium is increasing slightly to $148.50. Also, the annual deductible is rising to $203.

Covid is still impacting coverage going into 2021. When a vaccine is made available, Part B must cover it under the CARES act. Medicare will cover it with no cost-sharing responsibility to you.

Part C: Medicare Advantage Benefits Change

For a long time, those with End-Stage Renal Disease couldn’t reap the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans. Well, now that’s all changing. As of 2021, Part C plans will cover those with ESRD.

As for cost changes, Medicare Advantage premiums are down to an average of $21 a month. This is the lowest premium amount since 2007. Also, you can expect to see more options available, even in rural areas.

While premiums are lower, the maximum out-of-pocket limits will be as high as $7,550 for in-network services and $11,300 for out of network care.

Part D: Prescription Drugs Costs and Benefits Change

Lower out-of-pocket costs for insulin has to be one of the best Medicare changes in 2021. Patients that participate in the “Part D Senior Savings Model” could save hundreds of dollars annually.

Now, the standard Part D deductible is rising to $445 in 2021. But some higher premium plans boast a $0 deductible. The donut hole is officially closed; both brand name and generic medications only cost 25% during the coverage gap.

How Is Medicare Transforming in 2021?

Medicare has been working on patients over paperwork for years now. By changing the way provider reimbursement occurs, care goes from “volume-based” to “value-based.”

Previously, doctors would receive compensation each time they would evaluate you, whether or not you become healthier. Now, doctors will get bonuses when they make you healthy instead of how often they see you. The goal? Well, they want lower-cost healthcare that is more efficient.

Why Are There Annual Changes to Medicare?

The cost of health care rises each year. To keep up with inflation, Medicare raises its prices. Also, Medicare finds ways to add benefits to the program, much like we discussed above.

What Is the Best Medicare Plan for 2021?

For the most part, the best Medicare plan depends on your needs. Most people will find that Medigap and Medicare go great together. But some beneficiaries will enjoy Part C coverage. The best plan for you is the one that brings you the most value.

Can I Still Make Plan Changes for 2021 Coverage?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period takes place from January 1 – March 31 each year. You must have Medicare Advantage to make any changes during this time.

During this period, you can:

• Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan to enroll in a new Part C plan.
• Switch back to Medicare and enroll in Part D.
• Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap and Part D.

Critical Takeaways for Medicare in 2021

While prices continue to increase, so do benefits. Medicare is always changing to accommodate the needs of seniors better. When Covid initially began, telehealth expansion became necessary. And when the vaccine is available, coverage will be ready too.

No matter the circumstances, Medicare adapts to suit your needs better, even if it requires a higher premium or deductible.

Are you on Medicare? Which Medicare changes for 2021 will you benefit from? Have you used telehealth since Covid started? Do you think it’s better when doctors charge per visit or per quality of service? Please share your thoughts, expectations, and questions!

Many people are working well beyond the traditional retirement age, partly out of necessity and partly because they still want to contribute and are not ready to retire.

Whether you’ve been laid off, you’re retired and looking for something to do, or need a little supplemental income, here are some tips on how to find a job when you are older.

Evaluate

Almost half of boomers have saved less than $10,000 for retirement. So, the financial necessity to stay employed is a real one, and believe it or not, working past retirement is a great opportunity. No matter where you find yourself, it is best to start by gauging your financial situation.

How long can you sustain your current lifestyle? How much do you need going forward? The reality is that you will probably not be hired at the rich salary you had been making. You may want to rethink your retirement age and also consider when to collect social security.

This may be just the impetus you need to consider the kind of work you want to do at this stage in life. Maybe moving to a whole new field will give you more personal satisfaction. Remember Robert De Niro in the movie The Intern. Losing your job may well be finding your life.

Choose Your Path

Self-Employed

If you prefer to stay in the field you know, then you may consider consulting. If you know the industry well, you may identify products or services that solve key issues in that industry.

You will need some lag time to get up and running, so make sure you consider how long you can last without a paycheck and benefits. You may also take a part-time job while building your business on the side.

Something important you will need is a business plan. SCORE, a national non-profit organization affiliated with US Small Business Administration, advises small businesses on these issues. You may have a similar agency in your country.

Consider starting a blog or podcast. It’s a great way to test the waters and get a feel for what people want. These become important marketing tools for your business and lead to business creation. It can also help if you seek employment.

College classes on entrepreneurship are also a good option.

Taking a Job

If you choose to become employed, think about finding jobs at smaller organizations, including nonprofits, start-ups, small trade associations and niche educational programs. Typically, these employers operate with spare staff and depend on the experience and expertise that come with age.

A career coach can help you if you want to change your field of work. And you must have a complete LinkedIn page as this is the new resume.

Half of all jobs come through a network. You may be out of practice after years of security on the job, so now you need to find groups where you can interact. For example, my Rotary service not only fulfills a need to give back but also puts me in contact with other business professionals.

You might also consider volunteering for a board position. All of these things set you up for success.

Combat Ageism

Unfortunately, ageism is a fact of life in society. If you are a job seeker over 60, what can you do to combat it? Make ageism work in your favor.

Some employers believe older people only want to work for a short time, compared with younger people. When researchers look at that question, it is actually the opposite.

Older workers tend to be more loyal and stick around longer than the younger worker. The younger worker is moving around to acquire new skills. We see that with the Millennials.

Another obstacle is the perception that older workers are less productive and energetic. But we know that they are as productive as any other age group. The variations are between workers, not age groups. To counteract that stereotype, an older worker who is physically fit can exude a get-up-and-go attitude.

Some employers also believe older job applicants expect high salaries or are overqualified. Most people over 60 are happy and willing to go back to a position they had a few years ago, if it gets them back doing work they’re qualified to do and want to do. But again, you have to set your expectations.

A lack of technology savvy is also a misperception. That is why engaging on social media, having a blog, and tweeting is important. Consider this post from a LinkedIn colleague:

“I hired a person over 60. Should not be a big deal, but it was. People said: ‘He will never work hard enough,’ ‘He will not fit into our culture,’ ‘He will be taking a lot of sick days,’ ‘He is overqualified,’ etc.

Nobody said he was too old. They were all ‘politically correct.’ He was one of the best hires I ever made. We all learned from him. He made a huge difference for the company.”

Fact or Fiction About Job Seeking

Here are some helpful tips and some misconceptions to keep in mind if you are actively, or soon will be, looking for a job.

Fact: It Is Impactful to Network with Human Resource Managers

One of the many roles human resources serves is to fill open job requisitions. Often, there are numerous requisitions in the pipeline, and the No. 1 priority is to fill these jobs. Requesting to network with people in human resources is in your best interest.

Fiction: You Will Land and Interview for Each Job to Which You Apply

If you’ve purposely submitted a vague or general résumé with the hope that a recruiter will call for more details, think again. Most of the time, you will not receive a call.

Recruiters, human resources staff, and the hiring manager only call you if you are a good match for the job. If your application and résumé don’t show how you are a perfect match for the job, the recruiter has very little interest in speaking with you.

Fiction: The Best Time to Network Is After the Job Has Been Posted

If you are interested in finding a job after 50, it’s never too early to start networking. Imagine… you see the perfect job posted and believe you’re a match. With great excitement, you reach out to someone inside the company only to be ignored. You’re doing the right thing, so why isn’t it working?

The reason: you’re too late to the party. That job has probably been circulating inside the company for weeks. The person you are contacting may even be in the running for the job.

The best time to network is in advance of job opportunities being posted. In fact, networking after a job has been posted really isn’t networking – it’s tracking down a job. That’s not bad – in fact, it’s recommended – but it’s not truly networking.

Fact: The Best Time to Look for a Job After 50 Is When You Already Have One

Now, who would put themselves through this arduous task when they already are working? Looking for work is a full-time job itself!

The smart person, in this case, is always assessing the market, researching opportunities and if applicable, taking interviews. This process will keep you current, fresh, in the market, and aware of the trending that occurs within your chosen industry or the one you may seek to enter.

Besides, when we look for a position while having one, we are relaxed and not fearful, knowing that worse-case, we still have our present position. This allows for a real and perhaps more confident interview process with us more in control, sans the desperation and timing issues that accompany a jobless search process.

Fact: Your Résumé Is a Very Important Job Search Tool

Your résumé is at a minimum your calling card and your public face. Along with your cover letter and LinkedIn profile, your résumé tells your story to a stranger who is considering another stranger (you) for a position in their company.

A powerful, compelling, unique, and honest résumé will tell the tale and serve its singular purpose: to get you that interview.

Fiction: You Should Expect to Hear a Response Soon After You Apply

After you have taken time to strategically apply for a desired position, you assume that you’ll soon hear something. The reality is that you may never hear back from the company. In fact, this is more the norm than not.

Plan to follow up with someone in human resources after you have submitted your application. Ask what the time frame is for filling the job, and then ask if your application was received.

Always end every conversation by asking when you should follow up next and with whom. Don’t be bashful or hesitant. However, don’t wait by the phone, mailbox, or inbox. Finding work is a numbers game. Play that game well and make the numbers work for you.

Fiction: Finding a Job After 50 Only Requires You to Apply to Positions Online

You may believe that if you apply to enough jobs, you’ll eventually beat the odds and land one. While applying to jobs may make you feel productive, most jobs are either filled internally or through referrals.

When you spend all your time and energy scoping out jobs and applying, you’re hurting your chances of landing a position.

The formula is to cast a wide net searching through networking, looking online, using recruiters, attending professional association meetings, volunteering, and meeting new people every day.

Remember, more than 70 percent of people land jobs through networking, and 93% of chief marketing officers (CMOs) report that they award work based upon chemistry alone.

Fact: Your References Will Be Contacted Early in the Interview Process

Every company has a different policy regarding references. Seldom will your references get checked while résumés are being reviewed or early in the interview process.

It costs time and money to verify references, and if there are multiple candidates applying and interviewing, this can be a costly investment. That said, references will be contacted once you have been identified as a viable candidate and an offer is made.

Be prepared with a minimum of three professional and two personal references. Only a few may be checked but your confidence in providing these names will be the final determinant in an employer’s hiring process and you ending up with the position you desire.

Fact: Your Cover Letter Is a Powerful Tool

You can’t assure that someone will read your cover letter. In reality, some people will never read a cover letter, and others won’t look at your résumé until after reading your cover letter.

The bottom line is that you should always include a customized cover letter that explains specifically why you are interested in and qualified for the job and shares something about the company to show that you are a great fit.

If you don’t take the time to do this, then why should the company take time to review your qualifications for the job?

Most applications now require this alongside your résumé. It’s your chance to tell your story using more text and fewer truncated bullet points to do so. Make it compelling and well-written. Remember, the goal of a cover letter is to get hiring managers to learn more about you on their way to inviting you in for an interview.

Utilize These Resources

Workforce50.com: For job seekers 50 and over; formerly called Senior Job Bank.

Retired Brains: For older boomers, seniors, and retirees.

Seniors4Hire: Nationwide online career center.

RetireeWorkforce.com: For retirees and mature workers.

We’ve listed others on our web site.

How about you? Have you been downsized but still desire employment? What is your story? Did you retire and pursue a passion into a business? Please share with the community.

End-of-year sales are often even better than events like Black Friday/Cyber Monday. This is when brands need to unload all the goodies from throughout the year to make room for 2021’s newest products. This is the perfect time to pick up items you’ve had your eye on, especially from holiday collections—at a major discount. The M.A.C. sale at Nordstrom is one you’ll want to check out, especially if you loved the sparkly holiday collection as much as we did.

One of the best things about M.A.C.’s holiday line is that it’s really not holiday-focused. There are eyeliner, highlighter, lipstick and eyeshadow shades that will look amazing all-year-round, but especially through the winter months. Pick up affordable kits at up to 40 percent off, which gives you multiple products for less than $30. M.A.C. makeup is rarely that well priced.

Still, if you’re not in the mood for festive packaging, Nordstrom is also discounting every day M.A.C. favorites, including select matte lipstick shades, lip pencils and more for 40 percent off. You can’t go wrong with these. So, whether you’re picking up a last-minute gift or treating yourself (you deserve it!), shop some of our favorites, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

M.A.C.

MAC Fireworked Wow Factor Eye Kit

Get In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara in 3D Black, two Extra Dimension Eyeshadows and Technakohl Liner in Graphblack all for less than $30.

M.A.C.

MAC Frosted Firework Grand Spectacle Eyeshadow Palette

This limited-editon palette includes 25 shades in regular and Dazzleshadow formulas.

Nordstrom.

MAC Frosted Firework Extra Dimension Foil Eyeshadow

Or pick up three gorgeous eyeshadow shades with a foil finish.

Nordstrom.

MAC Frosted Firework Lipstick

Choose from two limited-edition shades with this pink festive packaging—at 40 percent off!

M.A.C.

MAC Flashing Ice Extra Dimension Skinfinish

This chic palette includes three firework-embossed Extra Dimension Skinfinish highlighters in light or medium-deep shades.

JoJo Fletcher’s Green Floral Print Dress With Tayshia

The Bachelorette Season 16 Episode 12 Fashion

While former star and temporary host of the show JoJo Fletcher stepped in to give Tayshia some advice on last night’s episode of The Bachelorette, we’re stepping in right now to advise you to scoop up her green floral print dress while you still can. Especially if like us, you can totally picture yourselves living together happily ever after.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Reformation Dress on eBay

Click Here For Additional Colours

Originally posted at: JoJo Fletcher’s Green Floral Print Dress