Tag Archives: NJSL Presents

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WEBINAR – Tips for Your Ticker: Heart Health

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Tips for Your Ticker: Heart Health

Did you know that heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States since 1921? But how much do you really know about your heart? Please join us as cardiologist Dr. Craig McMackin from Capital Health discusses the different types of heart disease and the ways that you can help keep your heart healthy.

Dr. McMackin is a general cardiologist who treats the full spectrum of heart disease. His clinical interests include all aspects of general cardiology, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias and valvular heart disease. He also performs cardiac risk assessment, with an emphasis on optimizing lifestyle and health habits to prevent and manage heart and vascular disease. He enjoys educating his patients and the community and strives to motivate others to live healthier lives. He received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his residency and was chief medical resident at Boston Medical Center – Boston, Massachusetts and completed his fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

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WEBINAR – Coping with Deer

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Coping with Deer

What is the biggest nuisance when it comes gardening? Many people will respond with pests, particularly deer. White-tailed deer were virtually extinct in the late 1800s in NJ, but through conservation efforts, in can seem like they are everywhere. Please join us as Rutgers Master Gardener Jean Miller discusses the reasons for their current population and how understanding their biology and behavior can help the gardener with strategies to mitigate deer damage.

Jean Miller is a certified Rutgers Master Gardener and certified Cornell Master Beekeeper. She spent 20 years as a school teacher in Flemington and has travelled all over the world, visiting every continent expect Antarctica.

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WEBINAR – 5 Money Questions for Women

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5 Money Questions for Women

Did you know that only 51 percent of women are confident they are saving enough for retirement vs 68 percent of men? In addition women are more likely to deal with an aging parent or children’s schedules which can result in women accumulating less money for retirement. Please join us as Gerard Raho from Edward Jones discusses the unique financial situation many women find themselves in and the actionable steps you can take to help meet your financial goals.

Gerard Raho is a financial advisor for Edward Jones with over 20 years of experience in financial markets. Before working at Edward Jones, Gerard ran a trading desk for JP Morgan and established his own NYSE floor brokerage firm. He works with clients to identify and address their most pressing needs to create custom-tailored strategies to help address their financial needs and goals. He earned a MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Syracuse University.

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WEBINAR – Psychology of Spending

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Psychology of Spending

Ever wonder why you buy the things you do? Psychology has a big part to play in what we buy and our spending habits. Whether we struggle with the chemical reactions in our brain that make us feel better when we buy things or society/social media pressures us to feel the need to live a certain way, there are a wide-variety of influences that can impact what we buy. Amanda Griffith, Financial Well-being Impact Officer and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor for the Credit Union of New Jersey dives into this topic and shows you how to avoid unnecessary spending and become financially stable.

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10 Steps for Financial Success Program Recap

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Ten Steps to Financial Success

Thank you to Amanda Griffith from the Credit Union of New Jersey for sharing 10 aspects regarding personal finances that are important to ensure a healthy financial future.  Finances can be very difficult to navigate and master, especially if someone is struggling with debt or lack of income.  However, there are steps we can all take regardless of our financial situation to make us more financially stable.

Please download a copy of the handout that includes worksheets to help you as you move through each step – https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ten-Steps-for-Financial-Success-Handout.pdf.

Step 1 – Establish Goals

The first step on your financial journey is to determine what are your short and long-term goals.  These can be personal as well as financial.  Be sure to take into consideration your needs as well as your wants, but be specific and realistic.  By understanding what you want to accomplish or prepare for, you can more easily identify the steps you need to take to accomplish those goals.  

Step 2 – Take Stock

You can develop a starting point by taking stock of your current financial situation.  Determine what you own, such as a house or a car, as well as what you owe, such as student loan debt, credit card debt, or taxes.  You can use these categories to help calculate your net worth, or the sum of all of your assets.  This can help you gain a sense of your current financial standing and how much you need to save or invest to meet your goals.

Step 3 – Create a Budget

Once you have a sense of your overall financial situation, you should create a budget to determine your monthly net gain or loss.  Identify all sources of income with their amounts and then identify all of your monthly expenses.  These can include fixed recurring payments, such as mortgages or student loans, as well as variable expenses, such as utility bills, food, and gas.  By creating separate line items for each expense, you can more accurately determine how you are spending your money and if you have room to start saving or if you can commit more money to paying down your debt.

Many banking institutions provide online banking services that include a general breakdown of your expenses to get a rough idea of how you are spending your money on a monthly basis.  Generally, your monthly expenses should equate to the following percentages of your monthly net income:

  • Housing (mortgage, rent, property taxes) – 35%
  • Other (child care, food, entertainment, retirement) – 25%
  • Outstanding Consume Debt (credit cards, personal loans) – 15%
  • Transportation (car loans, public transportation) – 15%
  • Savings (liquid assets rather than investments) – 10%

By creating your budget, you can calculate your bottom line by subtracting your expenses, debts, and savings from your income.

Step 4 – Live Within Your Means

One way to improve your financial situation is to increase your income through another job.  Unfortunately, that can take time and finding the right job for your personal situation can be difficult.  In order to make a more direct impact on your finances and increase your bottom line, try to limit your expenses by living within your means.

There are things that you need to have to survive; food, shelter, clothes.  But there are also many other things that can be considered luxury or non-essential that take away from our available money.  Prioritize your spending and look for ways to reduce, substitute, postpone, or forego certain expenses.  For example, you can save a lot of money if you eat out less often or downsizing your residence to reflect your current household needs.  Additionally, you can postpone long-distance vacations for shorter and less travel-intensive trips to save money while still spending quality time with yourself or family.

Step 5 – Pay Yourself First

While we are quick to pay others for goods and services, we often forget to pay ourselves first through savings.  It is recommended to put 10% of your monthly income into some sort of savings, whether it is an envelop of cash in a safe or a savings account at a financial institution.  If you can’t save 10%, start with a minimal amount; the important thing is to start and develop that habit.  If you receive direct deposit, you can set it up to have a certain amount sent to a savings account automatically.

A great way to start saving is to create a 3-tiered savings plan:

  • Short-Term – create an emergency fund that is easily accessible (cash, savings account) and equal to 3-6 months of your essential living expenses.
  • Medium-Term – should be aligned your goals for the next 2-5 years and use semi-liquid assets such as CDs or a money market account.  With these assets, your money is tied up for the duration of the asset, but it will grow in value through interest accumulation.
  • Long-Term – These tend to be investments in things such as stocks or bonds aimed at building wealth for the future, including retirement or education for children.  If your employer offers a match to a retirement plan, always try to max out that match.

Step 6 – Delete Your Debt

We should all strive to live a cash lifestyle where we are free of any debt.  There are many important reasons to take on debt, including transportation, buying a house, or improving one’s education.  However, we can easily fall into bad debt by using high-interest loans to pay bills or credit cards for purchases that have no lasting value, such as food, gas, or vacations.  By limiting the bad debt and paying off the most expensive debts first (often highest-interest), you can free up more money to put away or continue to pay off other debts to become debt-free faster.

There are a few strategies for paying down your debt, especially high-interest debt like credit cards.  Talk with a certified credit counselor or your financial planner to determine the right plan for you.

Step 7 – Buy a Home

Homes can be a great investment as they generally appreciate in value over the long term.  Additionally, home-owners receive extra tax breaks, including property tax deductions.  While not everyone can or should buy a home, if it fits within your budget and your goals, it can be a great way to ensure income in the future.  If you want to buy a home, start saving now to ensure you have roughly 20% of the purchase price for a down payment to avoid paying PMI, private mortgage insurance.  Additionally, work to build your credit score by paying down high-balance debts to secure a low interest rate.

Step 8 – Diversify

Once you start accumulating wealth and planning for your long-term goals, it is important to make sure to diversify those investments to better guard against downturns in the economy.  As with all investments, you should speak with a financial advisor or planner to figure out your goals and the best investments to meet those goals.  Try to spread your money out over stocks, bonds, and liquid assets such as cash, so that you are better able to weather the storm should one of those assets become less valuable.  As market and economic conditions change, adjust your money allocation to take advantage of those changing conditions, but always remember to weigh the risks versus the return.

Step 9 – Plan Ahead

Planning ahead often refers to retirement, but many people forget how insurance can help deal with unplanned events or inevitable life events such as death.  Major insurance options include health, life, disability, homeowners/renters, and automobile.  Some insurances are required, such as auto or homeowners, while others are recommended, such as health or life insurance, to ensure you or your loved ones are financially secure in the event of an unforeseen or life-changing event.

Eventually we all will die and it is important to plan ahead for that as well.  Estate planning is important to make sure that all of your affairs are in order after you pass.  Make sure to have a will that sets up an executor you trust to ensure your wishes are carried out.  If you have insurance policies that provide payouts or transfers, make sure your beneficiaries are up-to-date.  It is also recommended to memorialize in writing any medical directives, such as a DNR order, in the event that you are unable to make your own medical decisions.

Step 10 – Get Help

Very few people can do all of these things alone and it is important to get help along the way.  You can use a professional financial planner or advisor to help you set your financial goals, develop a budget to identify areas of waste or saving, and plan for long-term events such as retirement.  You can also speak with representatives at your financial institution about the best accounts for your money.

The internet has a wealth of information on managing your money effectively and can be a great starting point to learn about unfamiliar topics.  You can also refer to printed materials such as books or magazines that cover a wide variety of financial topics.  Many organizations also offer seminars or programs, sometimes for free, on important topics, such as retirement planning.  An investment if knowledge is the best step forward.

More Information

If you have questions about the many topics covered in the presentation or information about your finances, please contact Amanda Griffith at agriffith@cunj.org.  If you have questions specifically related to retirement or investments, please contact Britany Enelow at benelow@cunj.org.  You can view a recording of the webinar at https://youtu.be/OUwXRJk21Ao.  For more information on a wide variety of financial topics, please visit https://www.cunj.com/financial-wellbeing/financial-resource-center/.

DNA Evidence: Analysis, Correlation & Interpretation Program Recap

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DNA Evidence: Analysis, Correlation & Interpretation

Thank you to Certified Genealogist Melissa Johnson for explaining how and when DNA should be used in conjunction with traditional genealogical research.  With the commercialization of DNA testing for health and genealogical purposes, more and more people are sharing their DNA, which can be a vital tool when trying to break through genealogical roadblocks.  While there is much we can learn from DNA testing, it is not the golden egg; research and documentation is often required in order to make sense of matches found through DNA testing.  So let’s take a look at the ever-intersecting worlds of DNA and  genealogy and how DNA can help us in our quest to unlock our ancestors.

https://youtu.be/TMTcPWMlvhE

Why DNA?

DNA testing is a new and fast growing way to help trace hereditary lineages through the use of a variety of DNA tests.  DNA can help confirm or deny pedigrees, hypothesized relationships, or other genealogical theories or conclusions.  DNA testing has revolutionized how individuals can address issues of adoption where records are missing or sealed.  Furthermore, DNA testing can uncover living relatives for us to connect with.

However, even with all of the information that DNA testing can provide, it does not serve as proof in determining ancestors.  It can help support and uncover new avenues as well as fill in gaps, but it cannot with 100% certainty identify who is related to you in a specific capacity; that still requires good, old fashioned genealogical research through documents.

Types of Testing

There are 3 main types of DNA testing that are used for genealogical purposes, each with their own advantages and uses.

Y-Chromosome

The Y-chromosome test only examines the Y-chromosome, genetic material that is passed down from father to son.  In general, the DNA in the Y-chromosome changes very little from generation to generation, but changes that do occur can often indicate mutations that then can be traced to a specific family group.  The Y-chromosome tests create match lists that use a genetic distance value to determine how close other matches are to you.  In general, a close match has a genetic distance of 0-3, but there can be outliers both within and outside that range; a reason why documentation is still very necessary.  Y-chromosome testing can provide clues to a male line ancestor’s identity, but cannot easily distinguish men from the same family, such as brothers, or a father or son.  Y-chromosome testing is best when used to help confirm or support an idea rather than “fishing” for matches.

Mitochondrial

Mitochondrial testing examines the X-chromosome, genetic material that is passed down from a mother to the child, male or female; however, males will not pass mitochondrial DNA to their children.  Mitochondrial tests have the same practical elements and benefits of Y-chromosome testing and can also provide clues to a female line ancestry, but cannot distinguish women within the same family, such as sisters or a mother and daughter.

Autosomal

Autosomal DNA testing is the most common and what we generally think about when we do a DNA test – look at these people I’m related to!  Autosomal DNA is passed down from both sets of parents and contains elements of DNA passed down through previous generations, making it a great resource in trying to find extended family and members of different family lines.  It is those patterns in our ancestral DNA that the testing companies utilize to generate our match lists, often telling us how many centimorgans we have in common with others.  DNA Painter provides a nice visual to showcase how those centimorgans translate into potential relatives – https://dnapainter.com/tools/sharedcmv4.  Autosomal DNA testing allows us to look at the bigger picture by giving us access to all of our family lines, generally up to 6 generations.

Methodologies for Problem Solving

Now that we have our DNA results and all of those “matches,” we have to follow up on it.   First, try to think about research problems or roadblocks.  DNA tests are great when used trying to focus on a specific research question and not every question needs a large DNA component.  Several key matches can help add to an existing strong body of documentary evidence.  The amount of evidence needed depends on how close the DNA matches are and what the other non-genetic evidence suggests.  The following methodologies can help you navigate the complexities of DNA test results and help guide your journey to finding the correct individuals and family lines.

Shared Matches or “In-Common-With”

When you receive your DNA test results, they are often accompanied by “shared matches” or “in-common-with” results, showing possible DNA connections with others who have taken the test.  Generally, these lists can show maternal or paternal side matches, moving back each generation.  However, caution is advised because you may be related to a DNA match in more than one way and attributing shared matches to a certain family line should be done with care and proper documentary evidence.

Centimorgans and Context Evaluation

As referenced above, shared centimorgans can help predict relationships, even multiple times removed.  Best practice would be to use this data in context with other information you may already know, such as location (is this the right family line?) and age, especially for removed relationships.  Other considerations when looking at shared centimorgans include endogamy (people sharing DNA from the same area, possibly due to intermarrying) and pedigree collapses, where family lines die out.

Targeted Testing

While the databases of DNA testing companies are growing every day, its possible that there may not be good matches for you because not enough people in your family lines have been tested.  It can be advantageous to undertake targeting testing by asking known individuals of a family line to take a DNA test to help confirm those lines, rule out relationships, and unlock other potential matches.

Triangulation

A more dated technique when using DNA data, triangulation occurs when 3 or more DNA matches share an overlapping segment of DNA, which strongly indicates that DNA segment was inherited from a common ancestor.  Triangulation does not mean that if Person A overlaps with Person B, and Person B overlaps with Person C, that Person A and C must have some overlapping DNA; far from it.  In reality, more data can be obtained by using shared matches than from individuals who triangulate.

X-DNA

This methodology specifically looks at analyzing data from the X-chromosome.  Since the X-chromosome can only be passed on through the maternal line, it can help you eliminate family lines associated with some male ancestors.  When using X-DNA, the match must be of a significant size to eliminate specific lines of ancestry from consideration.  Inversely, the absence of X-DNA, with the exception of close relationships, cannot be used as evidence to prove relationships on a specific ancestral line.

More Information

Melissa provides case studies that help illustrate how to apply different types of testing and methodologies so please view the recording on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/TMTcPWMlvhE or download a copy of the handout at https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DNA-Analysis-Correlation-Interpretation.pdf.  If you have any questions, please contact Melissa at mjohnson@johnsongenealogyservices.com.

Maximizing Social Security Program Recap

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Maximizing Social Security Program Recap

Thank you to Larry Metzler from Apogee Financial Services, Inc. for a deep dive into the complexities of Social Security and how that income stream can be incorporated into your overall retirement plans.  There are up to 9,000 potential combinations of claiming Social Security benefits based on your unique situation so it is important to speak with a financial planner to determine the best outcome for you.  However, a good first step is knowing the basics and educating yourself.  So let’s take a deep breath, take a long sip, and start unraveling the mystery of Social Security retirement benefits.

6 Fundamental Financial Planning Considerations

Since Social Security should be part of a larger and more comprehensive retirement strategy, let’s first look at 6 fundamental financial planning considerations that may influence when someone should start receiving their Social Security benefits.

  1. Longevity – As individuals are living longer, their money needs to be able to meet those needs, especially long-term care.  The costs of long-term care continue to rise and whether someone wants to pay for that themselves or have Medicaid pay for it, those considerations can significantly impact their retirement plans.
  2. Liquidity – How much of your assets, currently and in retirement, are liquid?  Do you have the ability to meet unexpected financial needs by being able to pull money out without tax implications?
  3. Inflation – Is your retirement plan able to match or outpace inflation?  Your dollar today will be less tomorrow so are you prepared?
  4. Market – The market is volatile and unpredictable.  A 5% withdrawal of your total investments may turn into a 20, 30, or 40% withdrawal if the market crashes; can you recover effectively?
  5. Mortality – A spouse or partner may die before you.  Are you able to withstand a potential drop in retirement income with their passing?
  6. Taxes – One of the many things guaranteed in life to increase; are you financially secure to deal with a rise in taxes?  Is it better to pay taxes on your contributions now or wait until later?  Similar to inflation, a rise in taxes means that you dollar now is not worth as much later.

While Social Security is an important part of your retirement income, there are many other options that you should consider to meet your needs, including pensions, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), employer contribution accounts (401k, 403b), annuities, and real estate.  Speak with a financial advisor to determine what financial strategy is right for you.

What is Social Security?

Social Security is a government sponsored financial benefit program aimed to support those that are disabled or retired.  Working individuals pay into Social Security through taxes on their income, which is then used to pay all eligible individuals who qualify for the government program.  To be eligible for Social Security in retirement, you must have earned 40 work credits, or 10 years of working that paid Social Security taxes.  You can also claim Social Security retirement benefits if your spouse met the work eligibility criteria.  The amount of your Social Security benefit is based off of the highest 35 years of earning for you and/or your spouse.  Social Security retirement benefits can be claimed starting at age 62, or survivor benefits earlier if you are caring for a child under the age of 16.  When determining when to take Social Security, be advised that the Social Security Administration cannot give you advice and that rules and laws can change from year to year.

Important Definitions

There are few terms that are common when it comes to discussing Social Security that you should be aware of:

  • Full Retirement Age (FRA)- The age at wish you can start claiming your full Social Security retirement benefit amount.  This age is dependent upon your birthday and can range from 65-67 at this time.
  • Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) – The amount of benefit that you can collect at your full retirement age.
  • Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) – Periodically, Social Security will increase the PIA based off the Consumer Price Index.  This is referred to as a Cost of Living Adjustment.

5 Common Decision Scenarios

Early vs. Later

When to claim Social Security benefits is one of the most common questions and is different for each person.  If you decide to claim your Social Security benefits before your full retirement age, you will receive a reduced amount, up to 25% if you take your benefits at age 62.  If you decide to wait and claim your benefits at age 70, you will receive a boost of 32% to your PIA.  If you claim your benefits early, you cannot suspend those benefits at a later date to try and increase your benefit amount.  However, there are some reasons to claim your benefits early and reduce your amount, including:

  • Immediate need for money
  • Poor health
  • Earn less than the annual income cap
  • Makes sense for spouse and children

Spousal Benefits

A spouse can claim Social Security benefits based off of their spouse’s earnings.  The spouse must first file for Social Security benefits, but does not need to claim them.  The claiming spouse must be nonworking and will receive no more than 50% of the other spouse’s PIA, including a reduced amount if claimed before FRA.  The claiming spouse’s PIA is substracted from the spousal benefit to determine the spousal add-on amount; a spouse cannot collect the higher of the two amounts and cannot collection more than their PIA.  If the nonworking spouse has already claimed their Social Security retirement benefit early, then the spousal benefit will be reflected as an add-on to their current benefits, up to the claiming spouse’s PIA.  For example, if Judy claimed her benefit at age 62 and has a PIA of $1,000, her monthly benefit will be $750.  If she also files for a spousal benefit ($1,200), her PIA of $1,000 is subtracted from $1,200, leaving Judy with a spousal add-on amount of $200.  Since she claimed the spousal benefit before FRA, that amount is reduced from $200 to $140, leaving Judy with a total monthly benefit amount of $890.

Divorced Spousal Benefits

A divorced spouse can claim on their ex-spouses benefits provided that they are 62 years of age or older, marriage lasted at least 10 years and they have not remarried.  The divorced spousal benefit is still a maximum of 50% of the ex-spouses PIA and must be higher than the claimants benefit amount.  As with other benefits, if you claim before your FTA, the amount will be reduced.

Surviving Spousal Benefits

A surviving spouse or ex-spouse may be eligible for surviving spousal benefits if the deceased spouse was the higher income earner.  The deceased spouse need not have already applied for Social Security benefits, but the surviving spouse must be at least age 60 (age 50 if disabled or until a dependent child reaches age 16) or a divorced spouse must be age 62, married for at least 10 years, and have not remarried after divorce.  If claimed at FRA, the benefit will be 100%; if claimed earlier, the benefit will be reduced.  In addition, dependent children can receive a survivor benefit until they turn 18 or 19 if they are enrolled full-time in school.

Guardianship (Grandparent) Benefits

Guardians, including grandparents, are also entitled to special Social Security benefits if both parents are deceased or disabled or the grandparent(s) legally adopted the child(ren).  The child must have been living with the grandparent(s) before the age of 18.  The grandparent must be providing at least half of the financial support for the child the month before the grandparent became entitled for Social Security retirement benefits.  If the parents are alive, they cannot be making regular contributions to child support and if the grandparent is already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, they must adopt the child to qualify for additional benefits.

Taxation of Benefits

Yes, your Social Security benefits may be liable for federal income tax; NJ does not tax Social Security benefits.  The IRS determines your Social Security tax amount based off of your Provisional Income, which is your Adjusted Gross Income + any tax-free municipal bonds + 50% of your Social Security benefit amount.  If your tax filing status is  “Single”, you will pay no taxes on your Social Security benefits if your Provisional Income is less than $25,000, taxable up to 50% if your PI is between $25,000 and $34,000, and 85% if your PI is above $34,000.  If your tax filing status is “Married filing Jointly”, you will pay no taxes on your Social Security benefits if your PI is less than $32,000, up to 50% if your PI is between $32,000 and $44,000, and 85% if your PI is above $44,000.  Please contact the Social Security Administration for any help determining what your tax liability may be.

Key Changes

Not all of someone’s earnings are taxed for Social Security.  In 2024, that amount increased to $168,600; any income above that amount will not have Social Security taxes withheld.  In 2024, the maximum monthly benefit amount is $3,822 and the surviving spousal benefit increased to $1,773.  Even with the rises in these benefits, Medicare premiums also increased, which can offset the gains made in Social Security benefits.  While receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you can still work an earn an annual income up to $22,320; if you make more than that, then your Social Security benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn over the annual income limit.

More Information

If you have questions regarding your Social Security benefits, please contact the Social Security Administration – https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/.  If you would like to discuss your personal financial situation, you can schedule an appointment with Larry Metzler at https://calendly.com/lmetzler-1/60min or contact him at lmetzler@apogeefinancial.net.  You can view recordings of the webinars at our YouTube channel:

You can download a copy of the workbook at https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Maximizing-Social-Security-Workbook.pdf.

WEBINAR – Scams and Frauds for Seniors

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Scams and Frauds for Seniors

Seniors are a growing population in the United States and becoming an increasing target for scammers and fraudster at an alarming rate. In fact, according to the FBI, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023. Please join us as Sergeant Michael Rosati from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit highlights the alarming rise in fraud and healthcare schemes targeting older adults. Sgt. Rosati will thoroughly explore the various types of scams criminals are currently using to exploit seniors, providing detailed insights into how these deceptive tactics work. Additionally, the presentation will offer practical advice and strategies to help seniors safeguard both their finances and personal information, empowering them with the knowledge needed to recognize and prevent falling victim to these fraudulent activities.

Michael Rosati’s career in investigations began in 2011. He has handled investigations for Horizon NJ Health’s Special Investigations Unit, The Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General’s Bureau of Fraud Prevention and Prosecution, and as a federal contractor for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. He joined the New Jersey Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) as a Detective in 2017. During his time with this unit, he has worked on a wide variety of criminal cases involving high-dollar provider fraud schemes, pharmaceutical drug diversion, theft, financial exploitation, as well as cases involving the abuse and/or neglect of disabled or elderly victims. In May of 2024, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant within the MFCU, where he continues to conduct investigations and supervise a team of detectives assigned to the southern region of the state. Sergeant Rosati is an active member of the New Jersey Elder Protection Task Force and he presents regularly at education and outreach events for law enforcement groups, medical providers, schools and seniors.

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WEBINAR – 10 Steps to Financial Success

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Ten Steps to Financial Success

Rising prices, increased expenditures, and more reliance on credit for purchases can make it more difficult to achieve financial stability. In fact, surveys suggest that roughly half of individuals believe that having a partner in debt is worthy of considering divorce and nearly half of 18- to 34-year-olds feel like they they are drowning in debt. Learning the basics of financial success are critical toward healthy relationships and mental well-being. Please join us as Amanda Griffith, Financial Well-being Impact Officer and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor for the Credit Union of New Jersey, teaches participants ways to financial control, including developing a spending plan, creating objectives, weighing insurance needs and other tools that will help get on the road to personal financial success.

VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK – The Georgia of the North: Black Women and the Civil Rights Movement in New Jersey

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The Georgia of the North: Black Women and the Civil Rights Movement in New Jersey

As a northern state, New Jersey and its role in African Americans’ struggles for civil rights is often overlooked or disregarded in favor of the narratives coming from southern states. However, the history of the early Black freedom struggle in New Jersey is predicated on the argument that the Civil Rights Movement began in New Jersey, contrary to popular thought. Central to this struggle was the critical role played by Black women in forging interracial, cross-class, and cross-gender alliances at the local and national level and their role in securing the passage of progressive civil rights legislation in the Garden State. In celebration of Black History Month, please join us as Dr. Hettie Williams tells this story and highlights the accomplishments of Black women in New Jersey that paved the way for the gains during the Civil Rights Movement.

Dr. Hettie V. Williams is an Associate Professor in African American History at Monmouth University and President of the African American Intellectual History Society (AAIHS). She is the recipient of the Eugene Simko Faculty Leadership Award, the PGIS Award in Social Justice, Co-Founder of the Monmouth University Race Conference, Founder of the Works in Progress Seminar Series, and nominated for the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2022. She has also authored and edited six books and several essays, articles, and book chapters.

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WEBINAR – Know the Bear Facts: The Truth About Bears in New Jersey

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Know the Bear Facts: The Truth About Bears in New Jersey

Become more bear aware! This free program given by NJDEP Fish and Wildlife gives an overview of the natural history and biology of bears in the Garden State, in addition to research and management efforts carried out by F&W staff. Practical information and tips for coexisting with bears will be addressed so that bears do not become a nuisance in the neighborhood.

Stephanie Getto works for NJDEP Fish and Wildlife in the Bureau of Information and Education as the organization’s Bear Outreach Specialist. She received her B.A. in English Literature from Delaware Valley University before completing two master’s degrees, an M.S. in Ecology and Evolution from Montclair State University and an M.S. in Molecular Biology from New Mexico State University where she worked on projects related to harmful algal blooms (HABs), disease emergence in freshwater turtles, and algal cultivation for sustainable biofuel production. Stephanie’s passion for science education as well as environmental and wildlife conservation led her to NJFW where she hopes to inspire and educate the public for years to come.

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WEBINAR – The Cape May Bubble: NJ’s Most Unique Climate Zone

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The Cape May Bubble: NJ's Most Unique Climate Zone

Take a trip all the way down the shore and you’ll hear the locals’ say the weather is just a little bit different in Cape May County. Thunderstorms that rumble over the Delaware Bay barely make its mark, snow just doesn’t fall as much and the climate feels different. Some call it the Cape May Bubble, others the Cape May Umbrella. Either way, there is real, scientific proof that Cape May County’s climate is unique compared to the rest of the Garden State. Please join us as meteorologist Joe Martucci explains this unique phenomenon and it’s impact on South Jersey.

Joe Martucci is the President and Director of Meteorology at Cup A Joe Weather and Drone, where he thrives at the forefront of Meteorology in media. A Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Certified Digital Meteorologist with the American Meteorological Society, Joe is New Jersey’s only meteorologist to hold both certifications. He’s also an FAA-certified Part 107 drone pilot. A born-and-bred New Jerseyian, Joe earned his Meteorology degree from Rutgers University, where he’s frequently on campus for talks and attends nearly every football home game. Having lived and worked in nearly every part of New Jersey, he now calls the shore home. He’s worked or visited every beach town from Sea Bright to Cape May Point, many of them twice. Joe’s expertise hasn’t just been noticed in the Garden State, though. He’s been featured in The New Yorker, Deadliest Catch, and national publication from Rutgers University. As the first Certified Digital Meteorologist in 2023, Joe speaks across the country to other meteorologists on the future of meteorology in media.