Savvy Senior

Dear Savvy Senior, How much does cremation cost and how can I find a good deal in my area? I would like to get a simple, basic cremation that doesn’t cost me, or my family, a lot of money. Frugal Senior Dear Frugal, Cremation costs can vary widely. Depending on your location, the provider and the services you request, cremation can range anywhere from $500 to $7,500 or more. But that’s a lot cheaper than a full-service funeral and cemetery burial that averages nearly $11,000 today. Here are some tips to help you get a good … [Read more...] about Cremation: An affordable way to go

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about geriatrics doctors? My father, who’s 82, takes eight different prescription drugs for different health issues but hasn’t been feeling himself lately. I’m wondering if he would benefit by seeing a geriatrician in place of his regular primary care physician. Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, If your dad is dealing with a variety of health problems and is taking multiple medications, a visit to a geriatrician may be just the antidote to help get him back on track. Here’s a … [Read more...] about Who needs to see a geriatrician?

  Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about electric bicycles? A friend of mine, who’s almost 70, recently got one and absolutely loves it. He told me he rides more now than he ever did his regular bicycle. Interested Boomer Dear Interested, Electric bikes have become very popular among U.S. baby boomers over the past few years because they’re super fun to ride and easier on an aging body. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are conventional bicycles with a battery-powered “pedal” or “throttle” assist. When … [Read more...] about Electric bikes are booming among baby boomers

  Dear Savvy Senior, What do I need to do to get Social Security disability benefits? I’m 60 years old and have some health problems that won’t allow me to work, but I’ve read that getting disability benefits is difficult. Laid Up Lenny Dear Lenny, Getting Social Security disability benefits when you’re unable to work can be challenging. Last year, more than 2 million people applied for Social Security disability benefits, but two-thirds of them were denied, because most applicants fail to prove that they’re … [Read more...] about How to get Social Security disability benefits when you can’t work

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some tips on finding and choosing a good financial planner? My wife and I are both in our late fifties and would like to get some professional advisement to help us better prepare for our retirement years. Seeking Advice Dear Seeking, With all the different financial planners, advisers and services available today, finding and choosing a trusted professional that can help you meet your financial goals can be confusing. Here are a few suggestions to consider. Where to Look A good … [Read more...] about How to find a good financial planner

  Dear Savvy Senior, I own two dogs and a cat that I would do almost anything for, but expensive veterinary bills put a strain on my budget. Is pet insurance a good idea? Older Pet Owner Dear Pet Owner, If you’re the kind of pet owner who would do anything for their furry family, including spending thousands of dollars on medical care, pet insurance definitely is an option to consider. Here’s what you should know. Rising Vet Costs The cost of owning a pet has gone up in recent years. New technologies now make … [Read more...] about Is pet insurance a good idea for seniors on a budget?

  Dear Savvy Senior, My 70-year-old mother has become somewhat of a hoarder. Since my father died a few years ago, her house is so disorganized and messy with stuff that it’s becoming a hazard. What should I do to help her? Troubled Son Dear Troubled, Clutter addiction is a problem that effects up to five percent of Americans, many of whom are seniors. The problems can range anywhere from moderate messiness to hoarding so severe it may be related to a mental health disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder. Here’s … [Read more...] about How to help an aging parent with a hoarding problem

Dear Savvy Senior, How does Medicare cover ambulance services? About three months ago, I took an ambulance to the hospital emergency room because I rarely drive anymore, and I just received a $1,100 bill from the ambulance company. Surprised Senior Dear Surprised, This is a Medicare issue that confuses many seniors. Yes, Medicare does covers emergency ambulance services and, in limited cases, non-emergency ambulance services too, but only when they’re deemed medically necessary and reasonable. So, what does that … [Read more...] about How Medicare covers ambulance services

Dear Savvy Senior, Can men get osteoporosis or is it primarily a problem for women? When I fell and broke my wrist last winter the doctor that treated me told me I might have osteoporosis, but I never got it checked. What can you tell me? Bony Bill Dear Bill, Many people think osteoporosis is a woman’s disease, but men can get it too, especially in their later years. Here’s what you should know. Osteoporosis in Men Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become weak and brittle and more susceptible to … [Read more...] about Men get osteoporosis, too

Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any sources you know of that can help me save on my Medicare coverage? I’m 65, and live primarily on my Social Security, and am having a hard time paying my Medicare out-of-pocket costs. Need Some Help Dear Need, There are several financial assistance programs that can help lower-income Medicare beneficiaries who are having a difficult time paying their out-of-pocket health care costs. Here’s what’s available, along with the eligibility requirements and how to apply. Medicare Savings … [Read more...] about Where to get help paying your Medicare costs