Author: Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you offer any tips to help seniors save on their auto insurance? I recently turned 70 and got hit with a 25% premium increase on my car insurance and am looking for ways to save. — Older Driver Dear Driver, As auto insurance rates across the country continue to rise for…

Dear Savvy Senior, My local Social Security office was recently shut down because of staff layoffs and large-scale downsizing by the Department of Government Efficiency. All this disruption makes me very nervous, as I’ll be applying for my Social Security retirement benefits later this year. My question is, how are we supposed to get help…

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the risk factors for kidney disease? My mother died from kidney failure a few years ago at age 75 but didn’t even know she had a problem until it was too late. — Inquiring Daughter Dear Inquiring, Anyone who has diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems or has a family…

Dear Savvy Senior, At age 70, I’ve become more and more forgetful lately and am concerned it may be an early sign of dementia. Are there any memory screening tools or services that you can recommend to help me gauge my problem, without going to a neurologist? — Forgetful Frank Dear Frank, Many older adults,…

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about reverse mortgages? When my husband passed away last year my income dropped almost in half, and I’ve been struggling to keep up with my monthly living expenses. — Senior Homeowner Dear Senior, For retirees who own their home and want to stay living there, but could…

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about service dogs for seniors with disabilities? My 67-year-old father has chronic arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and I’m wondering if an assistance dog could help make his life a little easier. — Dog-Loving Leah Dear Leah, For people with disabilities and even medical conditions, service dogs can…

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My earned income stopped when I retired last March, so I’m wondering if I need to file a tax return this year. — Retired in 2024 Dear Retired, Whether or not you are required to…

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you offer me any tips on choosing and using a home blood pressure monitor? I just found out I have high blood pressure and my doctor recommended I get a home monitor so I can keep tabs on it. — Just Turned 63 Dear 63, Everyone with high blood pressure (130/80…

Dear Savvy Senior, When should someone with dementia stop driving? My 83-year-old father has some dementia issues but still drives himself around town pretty well. —Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, Most doctors agree that people with moderate to severe dementia should never get behind the wheel. But in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other types…

Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to find out if my 72-year-old mother is eligible for food stamps or any other type of assistance program. When my stepfather died last year, mom’s income dropped in half and she is having a hard time paying her grocery bills. What can you tell us? — Searching Son…