Tag: savvy senior
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Savvy Senior: How to prepare to be an executor of an estate
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, My uncle recently asked me to be the executor of his will when he dies. I feel honored that he asked me, but I’ve never done this before and I’m not exactly sure what the job entails. What can you tell me about it? — Helpful…
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Savvy Senior: Low-cost smartphone plans for budget-minded seniors
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, What are the absolute lowest-cost smartphone plans for seniors who mainly talk and text but need a little cellular data for email and occasional use? I’m currently paying $40 a month and hoping to cut that down. — Looking to Save Dear Looking, You’re asking a…
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Savvy Senior: Understanding the Social Security breakeven age
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, I’m trying to figure out the best time for my wife and I to start taking our Social Security retirement benefits and would like to understand the breakeven age. What can you tell me? — Strategizing Sam Dear Sam, As you approach retirement, one of the…
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Savvy Senior: What causes dizziness and how to fix it
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, What can cause dizziness in older adults? I have dizzy spells from time to time but I’m not sure what causes it or what I should do about it. — Dizzy Donna Dear Donna, Whether it’s a moment of lightheadedness or the room-whirling sensation of vertigo,…
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Savvy Senior: Top senior scams and how to avoid them
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now? — Almost 80 Dear Almost, Your kids’ concerns are well founded. Financial fraud is a massive –…
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Savvy Senior: What happens if you die without a will
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve put off making a will for years. What actually happens to my money and property if I die without one? — Getting Old Dear Getting, If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to the laws of your state, known as…
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Savvy Senior: Is your aging parent safe at home?
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, After watching the coverage of the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case, I’m worried about my own elderly mother who lives alone in another state. I want to make sure she’s safe without being intrusive. Are there simple, affordable ways to check in on her from afar? —…
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Savvy Senior: Medicare can help older smokers kick the habit
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare offer any coverage that helps beneficiaries quit smoking? — New Beneficiary Dear Beneficiary, If you’re ready to quit smoking, Medicare can help. Medicare Part B covers up to eight face-to-face counseling sessions per year, and if you have a Medicare Part D prescription drug…
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Savvy Senior: How to navigate inheriting an IRA from a parent
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, What are the rules regarding inherited IRAs? My brother and I recently inherited our father’s IRA and would like to know what we need to do to handle it properly. — Oldest Sibling Dear Oldest, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father, but…
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Savvy Senior: Tools to help you find the perfect place to retire
Dear Savvy Senior, What resources can you recommend for researching good places to retire in the U.S.? My husband and I are interested in relocating to a warmer climate when we retire next year. — Looking to Relocate Dear Looking, It’s exciting to think about relocating in retirement! Whether you’re considering seasonal escapes or a…