Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good websites for finding cheaper travel accommodations? My husband and I love to travel but hotel costs eat up our budget so much that we can’t afford to go as often as we’d like. We’ve used Airbnb with some luck but are wondering if there are other options for budget-conscious retirees. Retired Travelers Dear Retired, Accommodations are typically one of the costliest travel expenses. But, if you’re willing to do a little research and preplanning, there are a number of ways you can … [Read more...] about Thrifty travel: How retirees can find cheap travel accommodations
Savvy Senior
How a government pension might reduce your Social Security benefits
Dear Savvy Senior, As a teacher for 20 years, I receive a pension from a school system that did not withhold Social Security taxes from my pay. After teaching, I’ve been working for a small company where I do pay Social Security taxes. Now, approaching age 65, I would like to retire and apply for my Social Security benefits. But I’ve been told that my teacher’s pension may cause me to lose some of my Social Security. Is that true? Ready to Retire Dear Ready, Yes, it’s true. It’s very likely that your Social … [Read more...] about How a government pension might reduce your Social Security benefits
Understanding Medicare’s enrollment periods
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the different enrollment periods for Medicare? I’m planning to work past age 65 and understand Medicare offers Initial, Special and General periods in which I can enroll. How does this work? Medicare Illiterate Dear Medicare, The rules for signing up for Medicare can be quite confusing, especially if you plan to work past age 65. But it’s critical to understand the ins and outs of enrolling because the consequences of missing a deadline can be costly and last a … [Read more...] about Understanding Medicare’s enrollment periods
The long-term care benefit many veterans are missing out on
Dear Savvy Senior, I have heard that the VA has a benefit that can help veterans and spouses with long-term care costs. We recently had to move my 86-year-old father – who served in the army nearly 60 years ago – into an assisted living facility, and my mom isn’t far behind. Can the VA help? Seeking Aid Dear Seeking, The Veterans Administration does indeed have a little-known, underutilized benefit that can help wartime veterans and their surviving spouses pay for a variety of long-term care costs. This benefit, called … [Read more...] about The long-term care benefit many veterans are missing out on
2020 Census offers temporary jobs ideally suited for retirees
Dear Savvy Senior, The U.S. Census Bureau is in the process of recruiting thousands of workers for temporary jobs to help collect valuable data for the 2020 Census, and retirees are ideal candidates. Can you write a column to get the word out? Thanks for your help! Census Recruiter Dear Recruiter, I’m happy to oblige, and I agree. This once-a-decade job opportunity is a great fit for retirees that have some free time on their hands who wouldn’t mind earning some extra income while helping the community. Attention … [Read more...] about 2020 Census offers temporary jobs ideally suited for retirees
Safe ways to get rid of expired, unused medicine
Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best, environmentally safe way to dispose of old and unused medications? My mother has a medicine cabinet chocked-full of pills, some of which haven’t been touched in 25 years, and I’d like to clean it out for her. Protective Daughter Dear Protective, Cleaning out the medicine cabinet is a chore that most people don’t think about, but it’s an important task that can help prevent medication problems, and protect children who may have access to these old, unused drugs. Here’s how you can clean … [Read more...] about Safe ways to get rid of expired, unused medicine
Trikes for grown-ups
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about three-wheeled bicycles? I’m 65 years old and would like to start cycling again but I have some occasional balance problems and don’t trust myself on a two-wheeler. What can you recommend? Ready to Ride Dear Ready, Three-wheeled bikes – also known as adult trikes – are a great cycling option for older adults, especially those who have concerns with their balance or stamina. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you shop for one. Safer Cycling If you’d like … [Read more...] about Trikes for grown-ups
How SSI can help low-income seniors and the disabled
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the Supplemental Security Income program and what are the eligibility requirements? My father is very low-income, so I’m wondering if this is something he may qualify for. Searching Daughter Dear Searching, Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is a program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides monthly cash benefits to people that are disabled or over 65 based on financial need. Currently, more than 8 million people are receiving SSI benefits. Here’s … [Read more...] about How SSI can help low-income seniors and the disabled
Finding health insurance before Medicare kicks in
Dear Savvy Senior, I will be retiring in a few months and need to get some health insurance for my wife and me until we can enroll in Medicare. What are my options? About to Retire Dear About, There are several places early retirees can find health insurance coverage before Medicare kicks in, but the best option for you and your wife will depend on your income level and your health care needs. Here’s where to look. Government Marketplace If your yearly income falls below the 400 percent poverty level after you retire, the … [Read more...] about Finding health insurance before Medicare kicks in
How seniors can stop frustrating robocalls
Dear Savvy Senior, Is there anything seniors can do to stop perpetual robocalls? It seems like I get five to 10 a day on my home and cell phone, and I’m sick of it! Frustrated Frank Dear Frank, Robocalls make up around 50 percent of all phone calls today, and it’s only getting worse. Americans were hit with 26.3 billion robocalls in 2018, a whopping 46 percent increase from the year before. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools available today that can help you greatly reduce them. Register Your Numbers If you … [Read more...] about How seniors can stop frustrating robocalls