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2013 Spiritual PhytoEssencing Training Intensive

Posted: February 19, 2016 at 2:45 pm


Webinar Classes and Home-Study Training Courses

Dr. Bruce Berkowsky's 2016 Spiritual PhytoEssencing Training Intensive

Dr. Bruce Berkowsky is a master practitioner, and one of the world's preeminent teachers, of deep psycho-spiritual healing work with essential oils. In addition to essential oils providing benefit on a physical level, they also exert a strong influence upon the psycho-spiritual plane. Dr. Berkowsky designed the art of Spiritual PhytoEssencing (SPE) to help an individual overcome the separation from one's real self a core factor in much of the deep-seated psycho-spiritual disharmony we experience.

The real self is the deepest stratum of the self-structure, the one which directly connects to, and reflects, one's unique soul essence. The innermost aspect of the real self can be referred to as the inner spiritual self. When one operates from his or her real self as opposed to the ideal self (a compensated state a person constructs based upon the expectations and concepts of others), he or she evaluates life experiences based upon pre-thought level feeling and sensing and connection to spirit.

Operating from one's real self is the only viable pathway to self-actualization and thus the feeling of inner completion. On the other hand, charting one's course based upon the expectations and concepts of others, despite their incongruence with one's organic feeling, sensing and spirit guidance, obstructs self-actualization and leads to an inertial state of stuckness.

Plants are alive and anything living has being. In other words, plants, like humans and other animals are ensouled. In Spiritual PhytoEssencing, essential oil blends are constructed based upon the archetypal patterns of each oil's inner soul nature. Accordingly, essential oils are selected for inclusion in a customized essential blend on the basis of their congruence with certain aspects of a specific person's soul/real self archetypal pattern. Thus, when properly prepared, the completed blend represents a portrait in oils of that person's inner soul nature.

It is the encounter with soul-level congruence between the personalized blend and one's real self that encourages the latter to reassume its natural leadership role regarding the guidance of one's life course. Living totally moored within the artifice of the ideal self fosters an ongoing state of conflict arising from the incongruence between how one is informed by organic feeling, sensing and spirit connection and how one ultimately values and reacts to life experiences based upon externally controlled behavior. This state of continual incongruence must invariably lead to a state of chronic discontentment.

In the 2016 Spiritual PhytoEssencing Training Intensive, you will be taught how to construct these customized, life-enhancing blends.

If you would like to study with Dr. Berkowsky without ever having to leave your home, consider this year's webinar-based training course:

Please note: As the popularity of Dr. Berkowsky's Spiritual PhytoEssencing (SPE) and Natural Health Science System has grown, so have the demands on his time. The development and presentation of this annual training intensive is extraordinarily time-consuming. Therefore, the 2016 Spiritual PhytoEssencing Training Intensive, which begins March 23rd, is the final, annual (this is the 20th year of these annual training intensives), comprehensive course which covers the entire SPE skill set. Future SPE courses will be more limited in scope.

Accordingly, if you would like to take advantage of this rare opportunity to be trained by Dr. Berkowsky in the SPE art of customized layered blending using oils that he has personally sourced from around the world and potentizing (the SPE art of preparing a homeopathic-style dilution using 12 drops of the customized essential oil blend), without ever having to leave home, do not miss this opportunity to do so.

Dr. Bruce Berkowsky's 2016 Spiritual PhytoEssencing Training Intensive Creating Personalized, Soul-Level Healing Essential Oil Blends (limited class size)

Presented by Bruce Berkowsky, N.M.D., M.H., H.M.C. Founder and teacher of Spiritual PhytoEssencing Deep, soul-level healing work with essential oils

Specific Course Details

This in-depth training features

1) In-Depth Exploration of the Inner Nature of Four Essential Oils

The 2016 Training Intensive will feature in-depth exploration of the inner nature of four essential oils Balsam fir, bergamot, eucalyptus and gandhi root (also called sugandh mantri). Dr. Berkowsky's classes typically run between 2 and 2.5 hours each. The first half of each class is devoted to theory and review. The second half of four of the classes will be devoted to an in-depth exploration of the inner soul-nature of a specific essential oil. All students will also receive the Balsam fir; Bergamot; Eucalyptus and Gandhi root chapters (each chapter is typically 20 to 30 pages long) from Berkowsky's Synthesis Materia Medica/Spiritualis of Essential Oils

2) Sensory Animal Imagery Blend Development Training

Dr. Berkowsky developed the SPE customized animal imagery blends techniques after encountering the work of psychoanalyst Eligio Stephen Gallegos, Ph.D. In his book The Personal Totem Pole, Gallegos, one of the world's foremost experts on deep imagination (imagination emerging from the pre-conscious, soul realm as opposed to the faculty of imagination associated with everyday consciousness), describes how, in his psychoanalytic work, helping a person elaborate imaginal animals (beings which can only be elaborated via deep soul-level imagination) and then, through their actions being informed by them, resulted in deep-level emotional healing and personal growth. Once the imaginal animals are elaborated, they can be encouraged to develop a helping relationship with the person to whom they are indigenous.

Dr. Gallegos, who teaches his Personal Totem Pole Process to therapists and laypeople all around the world, found that these imaginal animals have a distinct association with the chakras and senses. In other words, an individual, when properly guided, elaborates a different imaginal creature from each chakra and/or each of the senses.

While all of this sounds somewhat primitive and beyond the bounds of rational thought, when one opens to the work, the experience is actually quite profound. Importantly, there is a difference between imaginal animals and imaginary ones. The former arise from the deepest layers of psychical existence and the soul-level artifacts of earlier periods in the human evolutionary journey. The latter are simply figments of one's everyday consciousness wherein imagination often serves as the engine of meaningless fantasizing.

Using some of Gallegos' central ideas and understandings, Dr. Berkowsky has developed the Spiritual PhytoEssencing chakra animal imagery blend and sensory animal imagery blend methods. In the 2016 Spiritual PhytoEssencing Training Intensive, the students will be taught how to develop a personalized sensory animal imagery blend.

In The Personal Totem Pole, Gallegos writes: Whereas the chakras are modes of action or power, the senses are modes of reception.

What we learn from the sensory animals is that some early injuries may have been dealt with at the level of the senses. Traumatic or injurious situations were encapsulated at the level of the sense organ, and perception of the event was thus modified in order to protect the child. The efferent sensory system [the system of feedback from the central nervous system to the sensory organ such, as the nose, itself], could readily accomplish such a change.

The modified input is represented in the sensory animals. Developing a relationship with them allows the quickest way I know for healing the injury and realigning the sensory organ with a relatively unbiased input.

The focus of the 2016 Spiritual PhytoEssencing Training Intensive layered blending training exercise (see below) will actually be the creation of a personalized sensory animal imagery blend. In other words, each person, using the 2016 Spiritual PhytoEssencing Training Intensive Essential Oil Set, will be guided to create his or her own personalized sensory animal imagery blend.

Similarly, the focus of the potentizing class (the final class of the training intensive; potentizing involves taking 2 drops of a personalized essential oil blend and, using a method developed by Dr. Berkowsky, producing a homeopathic-style dilution of the blend for internal use.) will be the development of a highly dilute homeopathic-style potency from the personalized sensory animal imagery blend each student created during the layered blending exercise.

This may be the last time Dr. Berkowsky personally teaches the SPE method. In the future, those who did not participate in this course, will have to rely on recordings of the potentizing method.

3) Layered Blending Training Exercise

As noted, a central feature of this course will be the layered blending training exercise during which Dr. Berkowsky will guide the students step-by-step in the preparation of a layered sensory animal imagery blend using the oils in the class oil set.

These oils, personally sourced by Dr. Berkowsky from around the world, are all of exquisite soul-level healing quality. The set, made available to students at a very reasonable price, is not included in the tuition fee. Students can opt to use their own oils for the blending exercise. However, the oils Dr. Berkowsky makes available are of extraordinary quality and most students are eager to work with them.

The eligibility to purchase the class oil set is one of the central attractions of this course. While the cost of this set is separate from the tuition fee, Dr. Berkowsky makes an extraordinary effort to keep the pricing remarkably reasonable so that everyone can afford to participate in the blending exercise.

Dr. Berkowsky personally sources the oils for this set from distillers all over the world. He spends months sampling oils from different distillers before constructing the set. He will only include oils that not only are grown or wild-harvested in an ecologically sensitive manner, but also are particularly rich in the plant-soul forces required for deep soul-level healing work with essential oils. Many students remark that the oils Dr. Berkowsky provides are the finest and most spiritually vibrant they have ever experienced.

The composition of this set of approximately 15 oils (5 ml each) will not be finalized until early March. The following oils will definitely be in the set: African tea tree oil, balsam fir, bergamot, clary sage, Douglas-fir, eucalyptus, frankincense, gandhi root, Jasmine auriculatum, high-altitude true lavender, lavender sage, lemon, monarda and Norway pine.

Spiritual PhytoEssencing (SPE), features the use of two types of essential oil blends: constitutional and situational. The constitutional blends include the: custom soul archetype pattern blend, chakra animal imagery blend, sensory animal imagery blend, gemstone mantra blend, and polarity synthesis blend (based upon leading concepts from the work of 19th century philosopher G.W.F. Hegel). All of these blends are customized to reflect the unique inner soul nature of one particular individual.

Situational blends are prepared to illuminate and activate key spiritual perspectives regarding specific life situations such as illness challenges, divorce, encountering a pivotal crossroad in one's life, dying, grieving, etc. Situational blends, while customized, are more limited in personal scope than constitutional custom blends, and can be formulated to be relevant for more than just one person.

All students will be preparing their own sensory animal imagery blend which, in accordance with the Spiritual PhytoEssencing blending method, will be constructed in layers.

Dr. Berkowsky will review the Spiritual PhytoEssencing alchemical blending techniques including: the surrounding essence, invisible sparks, jewel in the lotus, magic drops and soul star drops techniques. Each of these techniques is very subtle, yet powerful and serve as catalysts that increase the dynamic, soul-level healing potential of the blend.

4) Homeopathic-Style Potentization Training

The Spiritual PhytoEssencing potentizing technique involves taking 2 drops of a personalized essential oil blend and, using a method developed by Dr. Berkowsky, producing a homeopathic-style dilution of the blend for internal use. In this course, each student will be producing a highly dilute homeopathic-style potency from the personalized sensory animal imagery blend he or she created during the layered blending exercise.

5) Class Recordings

All classes will be recorded and so those who have scheduling conflicts and miss a class, can review the entire presentation whenever they like, at their own pace. The recordings also allow those who did attend the class the chance to review the class material as often as desired.

Schedule of Classes

There will be 6 classes in all (plus a free bonus Q&A/student feedback class).

The course begins on March 23rd and (including the layered blending exercise) concludes in late June. This provides a casual pace that allows for more extensive between-class study and review and blending time.

First Class: Wednesday, March 23rd @ 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (8:00 p.m. Eastern Time). All classes except are presented at the same time.

The scheduling of classes for the remainder of the course is set as follows:

Additionally, there will be a bonus Q&A and student feedback class scheduled after the course has ended.

Continuing Education Credit and Certification

Those who complete the entire course, including the blending and potentizing, will be eligible to receive a letter recommending the issuance of 20 CE credits. If a student does not participate in all the components of the course, the number of CE credits he or she will be eligible for will depend upon proportionate participation.

Certification Exam

Those students who participate in the 2016 SPE Training Intensive can sit for an optional certification exam (which includes submission of a sample of the blend the student prepared).

There are different levels of Spiritual PhytoEssencing certification. Those students who pass 3 certification exams are awarded the credential R.SPE.P. (Registered Spiritual PhytoEssencing Practitioner). For students who are interested in going on to earn a diploma in Spiritual PhytoEssencing and receive a Di.SPE (Diplomate of Spiritual PhytoEssencing) credential, passing the certification exam is necessary for this course to count as one of the six required Diploma Course (a tutored home-study course) study modules.

Tuition

Dr. Berkowsky is well aware that these are difficult economic times for a lot of people and so keeps tuition rates unusually low. This may be your last chance to take this comprehensive course conducted personally by Dr. Berkowsky at such low tuition rates.

Tuition covers: all 6 classes, the class recordings, the layered blending exercise, the potentizing training as well as all class study exercises (Dr. Berkowsky designs unique, optional study exercises that the students receive between classes), chapters from Berkowsky's Synthesis Materia Medica/Spiritualis of Essential Oils and other reference materials.

Individuals who cannot afford to pay the full tuition in one payment can contact Dr. Berkowsky to set up a comfortable, monthly installment payment plan. If you require a payment plan contact Dr. Berkowsky and he will e-mail the details to you. Contact: drbruceb@cnw.com

The cost of the class oil set, required for participation in the layered blending exercise, is not included in the tuition. Considering the rare quality of all the oils (personally sourced by Dr. Berkowsky), the set will be very reasonably priced in order to allow anyone who wants to participate in the blending the exercise to be able to afford to do so.

Early-Bird Tuition best offer ends Tuesday, March 1st: $325.00

Full Tuition after March 1st: $375.00

REGISTER NOW

Spiritual PhytoEssencing Diploma Course Prospectus

The Spiritual PhytoEssencing Diploma Course provides an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of Spiritual PhytoEssencing. In addition to a thorough education regarding the inner soul-nature of close to 40 essential oils (thus far Berkowsk's Synthesis Materia Medica/Spiritualis of Essential Oils features 112 chapters, each dedicated to one particular essential oil), the Diploma Course student is taught the basics of layered blending, case-taking, case analysis, repertorizing, the practical use of Berkowsky's Synthesis Materia Medica/Spiritualis of Essential Oils, and homeopathic potentization of an essential oil blend.

In-depth instruction is also provided regarding the fundamental theoretical perspectives of Spiritual PhytoEssencing, including soul-level archetypes, miasm theory, anthroposophical constitutional typing, the Kabbalistic Tree of Life and model of the Five Levels of the Soul, Chinese Five Element Theory, key elements from the perspectives of Martin Buber's philosophy of dialogue and Dr. Carl Rogers humanistic psychology, as well as various other models and perspectives primary to the system.

Learn More

Berkowsky's Synthesis Materia Medica/Spiritualis of Essential Oils

Berkowsky's Synthesis Materia Medica/Spiritualis Of Essential Oils consists of 110 chapters, covering 110 different essential oils.

This is a work in progress that Dr. Bruce Berkowsky began work on in 1998. It is the central reference manual for the art of Spiritual PhytoEssencing (the system of soul-level healing work) that he began developing in the mid-1990s.

In addition to essential oils providing benefit on a physical level, they also exert a strong influence upon the psycho-spiritual plane. Dr. Berkowsky designed the art of Spiritual PhytoEssencing (SPE) to help an individual overcome the separation from one's higher self that lies at the core of emotional and physical disharmony.

Learn More

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2013 Spiritual PhytoEssencing Training Intensive

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February 19th, 2016 at 2:45 pm

Dallas Orthodontics & Braces, FREE Exam | Apple Orthodontix

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Orthodontics, Dental Care & Oral Surgery. We do it all.

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At Apple, youll get affordability and quality. Exceptional treatment options and services mean beautiful smiles with fewer appointments and faster treatment times. Most dental insurance is accepted and only a small down payment is required to start. Easy, no-interest, low monthly payment plans are available. Ask about cash up-front and family discounts. Case fees are often much lower than at other practices for the finest quality products available in orthodontics today.

Save time and money with reduced treatment times and locations across the Dallas and Ft. Worth TX area, including Arlington, Plano and Frisco. Saturday and evening appointments are available at select locations. Convenient, 0% interest payment options are always available.

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Dallas Orthodontics & Braces, FREE Exam | Apple Orthodontix

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February 19th, 2016 at 2:44 pm

Posted in Self-Improvement

Illinois – Retirement Living

Posted: February 17, 2016 at 1:44 pm


Arlington Heights Luther Village (Visit our site) 1220 Village Drive, #145 Arlington Heights, IL 60004 E-mail us 847-506-1919 Presbyterian Homes The Moorings of Arlington Heights (Visit our site) 811 East Central Road Arlington Heights, IL 60005 E-mail us 847-956-4304 Barrington The Garlands of Barrington (Visit our site) 1000 Garlands Lane Barrington, IL 60010 847-304-1996 Bartlett Clare Oaks (Visit our site) 825 Carillon Drive Bartlett, IL 60103 E-mail us 630-372-1983 or 800-648-1984 Burr Ridge King-Bruwaert House (Visit our site) 6101 S. County Line Road Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-323-2250 Chicago The Clare (Visit our site) 55 E. Pearson Street Chicago, IL 60611 E-mail us 312-951-5690 or 866-951-5690 The Hallmark, Chicago (Visit our site) 2960 North Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60657 E-mail us 773-880-2960 The Kenwood of Lake View (Visit our site) 3121 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60657 773-404-9800 Des Plaines The Heritage of Des Plaines (Visit our site) 800 S. River Road Des Plaines, IL 60016-8427 847-699-8600 Downers Grove Oak Trace (Visit our site) 200 Village Drive Downers Grove, IL 60516 E-mail us 630-469-6100 Evanston The Merion (Visit our site) 1611 Chicago Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 E-mail us 847-864-6400 Presbyterian Homes Ten Twenty Grove (Visit our site) 1020 Grove Street Evanston, IL 60201 E-mail us 847-866-2111 Presbyterian Homes Westminster Place (Visit our site) 3200 Grant Street Evanston, IL 60201 E-mail us 847-570-3422 Galesburg Mary Allen West Tower 121 West Simmons Street Galesburg, IL 61401 E-mail us 309-342-6493 Glenview Vi at The Glen (Visit our site) 2500 Indigo Lane Glenview, IL 60026 E-mail us 866-960-7622 Hoffman Estates The Devonshire of Hoffman Estates (Visit our site) 1515 Barrington Road Hoffman Estates, IL 60194 847-490-5800 Lake Forest Presbyterian Homes Lake Forest Place (Visit our site) 1100 Pembridge Drive Lake Forest, IL 60045 E-mail us 847-607-8800 Lincolnshire Sedgebrook (Visit our site) 800 Adubon Way Lincolnshire, IL 60069 E-mail us 800-617-6610 Lindenhurst The Village at Victory Lakes (Visit our site) 1075 E. Victory Drive Lindenhurst, IL 60046 E-mail us 847-356-4666 or 888-432-9800 Lisle The Devonshire of Lisle (Visit our site) 1700 Robin Lane Lisle, IL 60532 630-963-1600 Lombard Beacon Hill (Visit our site) 2400 South Finley Road Lombard, IL 60148 E-mail us 630-620-5850 Naperville Monarch Landing (Visit our site) 2255 Monarch Drive Naperville, IL 60563 E-mail us 800-721-0102 Tabor Hills Senior Living Community (Visit our site) 1347 Crystal Avenue Naperville, IL 60563 630-778-6677 North Aurora Asbury Retirement Communities(Visit our site) 210 Airport Road North Aurora, IL 60542 630-896-7778 Palatine Tamarack (Visit our site) 55 S. Greeley Palatine, IL 60067 800-209-8955 Rockford Villas at University Centre (Visit our site) 245 Lily Lane Rockford, IL 61107 815-332-7837 Sycamore Somerset Farm (Visit our site) 2129 Waterbury Lane Sycamore, IL 60178 815-895-7800 Vernon Hills Hawthorn Lakes (Visit our site) 10 E. Hawthorn Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 600061 847-367-2516 The Park at Vernon Hills (Visit our site) 145 N. Milwaukee Avenue Vernon Hills, IL 60061 E-mail us 847-793-2470 Westmont Cordia Senior Residence (Visit our site) 865 N. Cass Avenue Westmont, IL 60559 E-mail us 617-292-2736 Wheaton Wyndemere (Visit our site) 200 Wyndemere Circle Wheaton, IL 60187 E-mail us 866-933-4799 Yorkville Countryside Village Apartments 407 West Kendall Drive Yorkville, IL 60560 630-553-0111 top

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Illinois - Retirement Living

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February 17th, 2016 at 1:44 pm

Posted in Retirement

Illinois Retirement Guide

Posted: at 1:44 pm


Overall If you have been looking for the best places to retire in Illinoiswe have the information to help you make a better choice. This website will give you useful data and opinions about the possiblity of retiring in Illinois, including the leading active adult retirement communities. This mid-western state had just under 12.9 million people in 2012. It combines one of America's largest cities - Chicago - along with some unspoiled farming regions. The Wikipedia entry for Illinoishas more facts.

Illinois Climate The Illinois climate is called humid-continental. There are 4 seasons. Summers are hot and winters are cold with frequent snowstorms. The southern part of the state is considerably warmer.

Economy and Real Estate Prices Illinois's 2011 median household income at just over $56,576 is slightly higher than the United States average. Median home prices are similar to those in most of the U.S.. In 2013's 1st quarter the median home in the Chicago/Naperville Metro sold for $159,400. In the Champaign /Urbana area the median home sold for $133,300. The Zillow Home Value Index in mid 2013 for the state was $141,100.

Illinois Taxes

Tax Burden:Total tax burden in Illinois is 30th in the nation, so the state is slightly more tax friendly than average.

Marginal Income Tax Rates.Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 5%.

Retirement Income Exemptions.A very good thing for retirees is that most retirement income and all social security income is not taxed at the state level.

Sales Tax:State sales tax is 10%; local governments also sometimes charge sales tax.

Property Taxes: Most property is assessed at 33.33% of its market value.

Homestead exemption: ASenior Citizens Homestead Exemption permits for a $4,000 reduction in the EAV for the properties of those 65 and older.

Estate and/or Inheritance Taxes. There is an estate tax; as of 2013 there will be a $4,000,000 exemption.

Other tax and financial info: Cigarette taxes are about average and gasoline taxes higher than average. The precarious fiscal health of Illinois was recently the focus of a New York Times article, Illinois Stops Paying Its Bills. The state is a solid contender to be the worse off state financially in the nation (see "Worse States for Retirement - 2012").

Link to anIL Tax Guide.

Certified Retirement Communities Illinois does not have a certified retirement community program.

Best places to retire in Illinois In 2012 Topretirements named llinois as the 2nd worst state to retire in the U.S. That was mostly based on its precarious financial condition and a government that was reeling from the governor's legal troubles. IL can be a great state for active adults and people over 50, depending on your interests, however. Choose from Illinois retirement communities that are popular with active adults over 55 near its larger cities of Chicago, Peoria, or Joliet. Or choose a smaller town such as Galena, one of America's most charming small towns, and located near the Mississippi RIver in the northwestern part of the state. Galena at one time was bigger than Chicago, but now has fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. Champaign/Urbana is a top college town known as a cultural oasis. A number of active adult and 55+ communities have been built in the Elgin area.

At Topretirements.com our job is to provide the objective facts and peer-reviewed profiles to help you find the best community for you. So if you are considering an Illinois retirement, check out the listings on this site. Here is more inside information on retirement living communities in the neighboring states to help you retire in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas. These links provide insight and data into economic conditions, climate, top communities, and taxes.

Get started with reviews of the best retirement communities.

Click on the Illinois Retirement Community reviews on the right. Or to find other state guides to retirement or more on types of retirement communities

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Illinois Retirement Guide

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February 17th, 2016 at 1:44 pm

Posted in Retirement

Municipal Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago

Posted: at 1:44 pm


MEABF is a defined benefit, single employer benefit plan that was established in 1921 by an act of the Illinois General Assembly to provide disability and retirement benefits to qualified employees of the City of Chicago and the Chicago Board of Education. Our sole purpose is to pay earned benefits to our members, which is funded by a combination of member contributions, taxes levied by the City of Chicago, and investment earnings from Plan reserves. MEABF is a component unit of the City of Chicago, and as such, is included in the City of Chicago's financial statements as a pension trust fund.

September 21, 2015

Public Act 98-0641 - Update

Thet Cook County Circuit Court overturned Public Act 98-0641. The effect on your benefit is that the 3% compounded annual increase is restored. Back on January 1, your monthly annuity was increased by an amount less than the 3%. This payment represents the adjustment in your annual increase retroactive to January 1, 2015. The benefit due October 1, 2015 will represent your new, monthly, gross annuity with the 3% annual increase.

December 29, 2015

2016 Annual Statements

Effective January 1, 2016 the City of Chicago insurance rates for the annuitant health care plan will be changing. Please use the following link for additional information available to annuitants: http://chicagoretireebenefits.org.

January 4, 2016

International Small Cap Equity Request for Proposal

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Municipal Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago

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February 17th, 2016 at 1:44 pm

Posted in Retirement

Social Security Inside Out: Retirement, Spouse, Widow Benefits

Posted: February 16, 2016 at 7:51 am


Social Security claimants annually pass up billions of dollars by not using a simple, but rarely used, benefit option. This option is just one of my 44 financially rewarding insider tips that I cover in my book, Social Security Inside Out.

Recently retiring from the Social Security Administration, I wrote an 18 page workbook with answers to 27 important Social Security questions while divulging 44 insider tips to show you how to get the largest benefits possible. To keep my material up-to-date, I monitor Social Security employee manuals to update this book with any Social Security changes.

Reading my book will give you current information about Social Security and the confidence to make informed decisions to get the largest retirement, spouse and widow or widower checks.

When it comes time to collect your Social Security benefits, you need to be more than a spectator. Take an informed and active part to get the largest checks possible.

Even if you are already receiving Social Security checks, learn how to make sure you are getting the correct amount and if you can get even more in the future.

Learn the pros and cons of retiring at age 62, 66, 70 or any time from 62 to 70 years old. An insider tip explains a way to get some benefits early and still get the 32% bonus at age 70. Learn how you can sign up for retirement benefits but suspend checks to get extra money for your family in the long run.

I cover the various options so you will know how to get the most benefits. A rarely used insider tip shows you how to get extra spouse benefits even though the primary worker hasn't retired. In addition, learn how you can get spouse benefits while your own benefits grow by 32%.

You will learn how much your spouse will collect if you die. In addition, you will learn how the start of your retirement can increase or decrease future widow benefits.

I explain how a widow or widower can switch back and forth between retirement and survivor benefits to collect the most money from both programs. For example, you can draw widow benefits from 60 to 70-years-old and then switch to your own retirement with a 32% bonus. Learn when you should draw widow benefits to get the most benefits from both programs.

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I warn you about six areas that cause underpayments. For example, over 250 million W-2s never have been credited to any worker. I reveal a simple, but rarely used, insider tip to make sure you get credit for all of your work. Furthermore, you will learn the different times to contact Social Security to draw the most benefits possible throughout your life.

Included is a retirement guide, 46 Retirement Pitfalls. Save yourself financial trouble and emotional stress by learning from other retired people. This indispensable retirement guide is included FREE with Social Security Inside Out.

Me outside the White House

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Social Security Inside Out: Retirement, Spouse, Widow Benefits

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February 16th, 2016 at 7:51 am

Posted in Retirement

Retirement Planner: Benefits By Year Of Birth

Posted: at 7:51 am


Full retirement age is the age at which a person may first become entitled to full or unreduced retirement benefits.

No matter what your full retirement age (also called "normal retirement age") is, you may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.

You can retire at any time between age 62 and full retirement age. However, if you start benefits early, your benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age.

The chart below lists age 62 reduction amounts and includes examples based on an estimated monthly benefit of $1000 at full retirement age. Click on your year of birth to find out how much your benefit will be reduced if you retire between age 62 and full retirement age.

Note: If your birthday is on January 1st, we figure your benefit as if your birthday was in the previous year.

As a general rule, early or late retirement will give you about the same total Social Security benefits over your lifetime. If you retire early, the monthly benefit amounts will be smaller to take into account the longer period you will receive them. If you retire late, you will get benefits for a shorter period of time but the monthly amounts will be larger to make up for the months when you did not receive anything.

There are advantages and disadvantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit is reduced. Each person's situation is different, so

If you decide to delay your benefits until after age 65, you should still apply for Medicare benefits within three months of your 65th birthday. If you wait longer, your Medicare medical insurance (Part B) and prescription drug coverage (Part D) may cost you more money.

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Retirement Planner: Benefits By Year Of Birth

Written by admin |

February 16th, 2016 at 7:51 am

Posted in Retirement

Jacksonville Area 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities …

Posted: at 7:51 am


When many people picture a Florida retirement they imagine coastal shores in areas like Tampa Bay and Palm Beach County, or iconic cities like Orlando and Miami. However, some discerning retirees are expanding their search, and discovering Northern Florida's secret gem: the city of Jacksonville.

Located on Florida's northeastern coast, Jacksonville lies about 90 minutes north of Daytona Beach, and about the same distance southeast of Georgia's famous Okefenokee Swamp. This sprawling city stretches across over 840 square miles, making it the largest city by area in the continental United States. Yet, with an estimated population of just over 850,000, Jacksonville is much less congested than the country's more densely populated cities.

In addition to being the largest city, Jacksonville also has the distinction of ranking first among U.S. cities when it comes to its total acreage of parks. There are more than 57,000 acres of parks, including state and federal lands, in the city of Jacksonville. Pocket parks dot the urban landscape, along with athletic fields, playgrounds, hiking trails, bridle paths and boat launches.

Water lovers will be happy to learn that Jacksonville is located on the banks of the impressive St. Johns River. This beautiful waterway is the perfect place for sailing, kayaking, fishing and other water-based recreations. Providing beautiful areas to stroll, jog or simply take in the lovely scenic views, Jacksonville's Riverwalk stretches for over two miles on both the north and south banks of the river.

For even more water fun, sunny Atlantic Coast beaches are located directly east of the city center. The beautiful beaches near Jacksonville are less developed, and less congested with tourists, than many of the beaches found along Florida's peninsula coasts. Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach offer miles of sandy coastline and tranquil ocean vistas.

In downtown Jacksonville, notable urban attractions include a variety of popular museums. The Cummer Museum boasts an impressive range of displays, including a permanent collection of over 4,000 items. Jacksonville's Museum of Contemporary Art features an innovative art collection, and the Museum of Science and History is fun for visitors of all ages.

Sports fans will enjoy taking in a game at Everbank Field. This impressive stadium complex is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. Everbank Field was the site of the 2005 Super Bowl, and each year the city hosts the Gator Bowl, a college football classic. The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville sets the stage for minor league baseball, and the Veterans Memorial Arena hosts a variety of athletic competitions and performances by world-class entertainers.

Retirees will also find some spectacular active adult communities in the Jacksonville area. Cascades at World Golf Village is a lovely intimate community which boasts many desirable features, including the famous Caddyshack restaurant, which is owned by Bill Murray and his brothers. Built just minutes from downtown Jacksonville, Sweetwater by Del Webb provides resort-style amenities in a prime location. And, just outside of the city, Riverwood by Del Webb is the only age-restricted neighborhood in the popular master-planned community of Nocatee.

When considering retirement in Florida, look beyond the state's peninsula to the northern city of Jacksonville. This beautifully designed area offers river and ocean access, parks and outdoor space, urban attractions and many communities which support an active adult lifestyle.

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Jacksonville Area 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities ...

Written by simmons |

February 16th, 2016 at 7:51 am

Posted in Retirement

Retirement Communities in Jacksonville Florida

Posted: at 7:51 am


Jacksonville and other parts of North Florida have a wide array of retirement communities from which to choose. Living in Jacksonville and the Northeast part of Florida gives you a chance to be away from the hustle and bustle of South Florida, while enjoying a slightly milder climate, though the city of Jacksonville itself it pretty busy.

Fernandina Beach, Florida, just outside of Jacksonville, is the location of Amelia National Golf & Country Club, an amenity-filled community of new custom homes developed by Daytona Beach-based ICI Homes, consistently ranked a Top 100 Homebuilder in the nation by Builder magazine. Residents experience and savor a vacation-type, relaxing lifestyle on a daily basis. This magnificent community embodies exclusive, country club living at its best; from the Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole golf course to championship quality Har-Tru tennis courts.

Often considered the gateway to the enchantingly quaint Amelia Island, Amelia National Golf & Country Club also offers its resident members the private and elegant French provincial clubhouse and luxurious fitness accommodations, such as the state-of-the-art gym and resort-style pool and hot tub; delicious dining; nature walks through rich forests; and an outstanding customer service staff. All of this is located within a 24-hour guard-gated, secure environment. The community is located just 15 minutes from the beach and ocean, and just 25 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport.

Amelia National Golf & Country club features stunning, award-winning new home plans that range from 1700 2700+ sq. ft. Youll love Fernandina Beach and the Florida lifestyle as a proud resident of Amelia National.

Get my Amelia National brochure

Cascades at World Golf Village The Cascades at World Golf Village is a Jacksonville retirement community which just happens to be located in the same community as the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Costa Verano Nestled along Floridas northern coastline, Costa Verano condominium and townhome residents will enjoy the convenient location to downtown Jacksonvilles business and art districts just 17 miles away.

Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation is far from what one would consider a Jacksonville retirement community. For one thing, the community is not age restricted, as families of all ages are welcome.

Grand Haven Grand Haven in Palm Coast is one of the east coasts finest golf communities. Grand Haven sits on over 1,400 acres along Floridas Intracoastal waterway. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the gated Grand Haven community is the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Combine this with award winning homes by some of the areas best home builders and youve got the perfect formula to attract baby boomers looking for a community in which to enjoy the retirement lifestyle in Florida.

Riverwood at Nocatee Riverwood is actually a community within a community, located in the upscale Ponte Vedra area between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Riverwood provides a gated community within the award-winning Nocatee master-planned community, just minutes from the ocean. The Nocatee Preserve is located nearby, with almost 2,400 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway offering a variety of outdoor sites and activities.

Sweetwater by Del Webb Sweetwater is one of two Jacksonville retirement communities built by Del Webb, the original pioneers of the 55+ and active adult retirement community concept. Sweetwater boasts all the usual amenities you would expect from the leader in 55+ retirement living.

Toscana Toscana is a new community by ABD Development located in Palm Coast Florida. Toscana is a gated community with estate sized lots overlooking 120 acres of conservation area. While Toscana is not a retirement community per say, the community is surrounded by the types of amenities and lifestyle retired baby boomers are looking for.

Other Jacksonville Area Links & Resources:

Jacksonville.com This is the website for the local paper in Jacksonville.

VisitJacksonville.com Website has information on hotels, restaurants, local attractions and more. Great for planning a trip to Jacksonville but also has some good info for those considering moving to Jacksonville.

About Jacksonville Wikipedias Jacksonville webpage has all the facts and figures youd ever want to know.

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Retirement Communities in Jacksonville Florida

Written by simmons |

February 16th, 2016 at 7:51 am

Posted in Retirement

Retirement Communities Jacksonville Florida | Fleet Landing

Posted: at 7:50 am


Fleet Landing is dedicated to keeping your days and nights full of fun, friends, excitement, and most of all full of life! Since 1990 our resort-style retirement community near Jacksonville, FL has made its name for service, stimulating activity and financial strength.

While many in our community spent their careers in the military, we are also home to a wide range of people who come from an even wider range of backgrounds. Whether you are sailing with a Doctor, sharing a meal with a teacher, or learning a new language with a stockbroker, you will find yourself doing incredible things with equally incredible people.

We cater to people with budgets of all sizes, offering a choice of 16 different floor plans. That means that you can find the kind of home you want that meets all your needs both personally and financially.

Our exclusive WELLInspired program offers an impressive array of activities and classes designed to not only keep you healthy, but to enhance your intellectual, social and spiritual horizons as well! We are also a satellite campus for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute(OLLI) at the University of North Florida which provides course taught by professionals on everything from the Civil War to Wine 101!

Also, we know the difference is always in the detailsand your health and well-being is the most important detail of all. Our retirement communitys highly rated health servicesassisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory supportgive you access to some of the best care available in the greater Jacksonville, FL area.

Call us at 877.591.6547 to schedule a visit or click a link below to explore more online!

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Retirement Communities Jacksonville Florida | Fleet Landing

Written by simmons |

February 16th, 2016 at 7:50 am

Posted in Retirement


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