Author: Jim Miller
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Savvy Senior: Beware of the Medicare Advantage trap
Dear Savvy Senior, I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months and would like to know if I initially enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, am I able to switch back to original Medicare and get a supplemental (Medigap) policy and prescription drug plan later with without paying a fine? — Almost 65…
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Savvy Senior: Golf gadgets that can help older golfers
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good golf gadgets that can help older golfers? I like to walk the course when I play, but I have some back problems that make stooping over to tee-up or retrieve the ball difficult and some hand arthritis that makes gripping the club painful. — Fragile Golfer Dear…
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Savvy Senior: Who’s eligible for Social Security disability benefits?
Dear Savvy Senior, What do I need to do to get disability benefits from Social Security? I’m 60 years old and have a medical condition that doesn’t allow me to work at my job anymore, but I’ve read that getting disability benefits is very difficult. — Need Help Dear Need, Getting Social Security Disability Insurance…
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Savvy Senior: Top job search resources for older job seekers
Dear Savvy Senior, What websites or apps can you recommend to help older people find employment opportunities? I’m 60 and have been out of work for nearly a year now and need some help. — Seeking Employment Dear Seeking, To help you find employment, there are a number of job-search websites and apps specifically tailored…
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Savvy Senior: How much Advil (Ibuprofen) is too much?
Dear Savvy Senior, I take Advil pretty regularly for arthritis pain and headaches, but how can I tell if I’m taking more than is safe? — Achy Alan Dear Alan, Ibuprofen — better known by one of its brand names, Advil – is one of the most popular medications on the market today for treating…
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Savvy Senior: Does Medicare cover vision care and eye exams?
Dear Savvy Senior, What all does Medicare cover when it comes to vision care? I currently have good vision insurance through my employer but will lose it when I retire. — Almost 65 Dear Almost, Many soon-to-be retirees are a bit blurry with what Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to vision care.…
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Savvy Senior: Strategies for paying off credit card debt
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I, who are retired, have accumulated about $7,000 in credit card debt over the past few years and need some help paying it off. What can you tell us? — Living Underwater Dear Living, I’m sorry to hear about your financial woes, but just know you’re not alone. Credit…
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Savvy Senior: How to choose a volunteer vacation
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about volunteer vacation programs? I’m a healthy, 60-year-old, single woman, and am interested in doing some solo traveling, but would like to tie it with something meaningful. — Purposeful Traveler Dear Traveler, If you’re looking to do more on your next vacation than relax or go sightseeing,…
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Savvy Senior: How to protect yourself from identity theft scams
Dear Savvy Senior, I am very concerned about Elon Musk and the so-called DOGE team getting access to my Social Security number and personal financial information through their government office raids. What can I personally do to help protect myself from this identity theft mess? — Worried Senior Dear Worried, It’s a great question! I’ve…
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Savvy Senior: Where solo agers can find help
Dear Savvy Senior, I’m a divorced 68-year-old childless cat lady and have been thinking a lot lately about who will look after me when I get older and my health falters. What resources are available to solo seniors like me, and where can I turn to find a reliable person to be my emergency contact,…