Tuesday, February 8, 2022

 

Feb 08, 2022
Newsletter #37

Hi Member,

Crazy winter storms have ravaged the continent since our last newsletter, with a record-tying snowfall in Boston followed by a massive system that spanned from Texas to New Brunswick! There were even freeze warnings into southern Florida. We hope you were all safe. If you have any interesting pictures or stories, share them with us and we'll share them with our members.

Don't forget to check in with your neighbors and relatives that live alone to make sure they are safe and with power, food, and water. A small fraternal gesture may mean a great deal to someone alone and in distress.

   The Supreme Council Session is Rescheduled for August 21 to 25

We are pleased to announce that we have finalized the rescheduling of the Session for August 21 to 25, 2022. Arrival is on Sunday, August 21, our Session business takes place on Monday through Wednesday, and departure is on Thursday, August 25. It's been delayed for two years, but we're very hopeful that the pandemic is receding and we'll finally be able to safely travel and gather together again.

We're sure that everyone has been feeling cooped up for the last few years, and we sincerely hope that you all decide to join us in Annapolis this August to reconnect with each other. Please encourage all your members to try to attend, and extend that invitation to any of your family and friends that need a vacation break. Our fraternal family will welcome them. Long-time members know just how enjoyable our gathers are, and how the fun increases with every person in attendance.

New deadlines for reservations and nominations will be posted as the time of the Session grows nearer. The Session Reservation Form and Nominations Procedure will appear in the Winter 2022 issue of the Bulletin. Any reservations and nominations already sent in will remain on deposit and on file.

Save the dates on your calendar now!

   February is the Month of...

February marks the midpoint of winter and is the shortest month of the year, but it's still packed with plenty of interest. Most of us could rattle off the most common commemorations, such as Groundhog's Day, Valentine's DayPresident's Day, and Black History Month. This time we'll delve into a few lesser-known facts about February.
 

Responsible Pet Owner's Month


February is National Responsible Pet Owner's Month, dedicated to taking on the responsibility of owning a pet and giving them the love and care they deserve.
 

Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month


You should feel inspired just by reading the title of this celebration! National Planting the Seeds of Greatness Month calls us to take the idea of New Year's resolutions to the next level, and commit to finding the greatness that lies in each of us. What a great idea to share with your children and grandchildren, and for each of us to celebrate in our own lives!
 

International Friendship Month


What a welcome time for the celebration of friendships! Pandemic-weary and with headlines of troop build-ups in Eastern Europe, it's time to focus on the positive and friendships that cross political borders. Take the time to reach out to the special friends you have beyond the borders of your country. Send a card, make a call, or send a message to stir those friendships that grow our understanding of each other across the globe.

   Time for an Annual Check-up

Did you remember to do a year-end check to update any changed information for your policies? We didn't remember to remind you, but it's never too late to catch up and do a check on all your important information. Make sure your Royal Arcanum policies are in order:

  • Beneficiaries: Are there any changes to your beneficiaries since you've last checked? The law requires we pay beneficiaries as listed, or to the estate of predeceased beneficiaries, and changes cannot be made after death. Please be sure your beneficiaries are correct.
  • Contact information: Have you moved or changed other contact information? We might not be the first place to think about when things change, but it is important to give us the most up-to-date way to contact you if your address, phone number, and/or email address changes.
  • Are your policies using CHECK-O-MATIC? If you've changed your bank account, be sure your policies stay current by changing your bank account with us.

The Royal Arcanum isn't the only place you should verify is in order. Any other estate documents or important financial or medical providers should be kept up to date -- think wills, power of attorney, banks, and other insurance carriers. It only takes a short while to verify everything is in order, especially if you make it an annual task. Do it now and sleep easy knowing everything is in order.

 

   Tax Time Tasks

The IRS has opened receiving tax returns for this season, along with a warning things might take a bit longer to process again this year. But don't rush to file before getting all your paperwork in order. There are things that have changed in recent years, too, and you need to make sure all your paperwork is in order before filing or submitting your information to your accountant. Don't forget these important items:

  • Collect all W-2, 1099, Interest, and Dividend notices. Check all your expected sources of income. Remember, if you don't receive them, the IRS still requires you to report them.
  • Did you receive a stimulus payment last year? That needs to be reported, too, even if you aren't taxed on it. Look for Letter 6475 from the IRS indicating your total 2021 Economic Impact payments.
  • Don't forget about tax form 1095-B, especially if you are participating in the Healthcare marketplace. While it isn't required to be sent when filing taxes, you will want to make sure you get any reduction in healthcare premiums correct.
Check with your accountant or visit the handy online resources at the IRS to be sure you get every bit of a tax refund you deserve -- or at least be sure you've paid all the taxes you owe and avoid penalties.

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