Seniors

Dear Savvy Senior, I know there won’t be much of a cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits next year but what about Medicare? How will the 0.3 percent Social Security raise affect our Part B monthly premiums in 2017? Inquiring Beneficiary Dear Inquiring, Considering the rising cost of health care coverage, the news regarding your…

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BPT The temptation to start collecting monthly Social Security checks at age 62 is hard to resist, but claiming the benefit too early can have damaging consequences for your overall retirement funds. According to Kiplinger.com’s October list of “Financial Decisions You Will Regret in Retirement,” taking the money as soon as you are eligible at…

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Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any long-distance caregiving tips that can help me help my elderly father who lives in another state? He has physically declined over the past year, but is determined to stay living in his own house. Worried Daughter Dear Worried, Providing care and support for an aging parent who lives…

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Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about incentive trusts? I have two adult children that are financial disasters. Before I die, I want to put some type of requirements in place that they will need to follow in order to receive their portion of my estate. Otherwise, they’ll blow it all in the…

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Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any specific flu shots that are better suited for seniors? I just turned 65 and would like to find out what’s recommended and how Medicare covers it. Semi-Healthy Senior Dear Semi-Healthy, There are actually two different flu vaccines available this year that are designed specifically for seniors age 65 and…

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Dear Savvy Senior, What is the easiest way to apply for my Social Security retirement benefits, and how far in advance do I need to apply before I start collecting? Approaching 62 Dear Approaching, The Social Security Administration offers three different ways you can apply for your retirement and/or spouses benefits, depending on your preference…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BPT Where words fail, the creative arts have the ability to speak. Art therapy is an empowering technique that allows for self-discovery and has the power to produce insight and expression in a non-threatening way. That is why the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encourages creative…

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BPT Virtually everyone struggles with a lack of self-confidence at some point in their lives and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure of yourself in certain situations. However, if you find a lack of confidence is holding you back from fully enjoying your personal life or from achieving your professional goals, it may be time…

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Dear Savvy Senior, My 79-year-old mother, who lives alone, has fallen several times over the past year. Are there any extra precautions we should take that can help prevent this? Worried Daughter Dear Worried, Falls are a big concern for many elderly seniors and their families. Each year, 1-in-3 older Americans fall, making it the…

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BPT Grandparents play a unique, important role in caring for family members of all ages. Here are some ways that you can help keep babies and moms safe and healthy. Helping babies sleep safely Grandparents can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death. To help…

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