Savvy Senior

Dear Savvy Senior, What types of senior discounts are available to older travelers? My husband and I are approaching retirement and love to travel, but love to save money too. Almost Retired Dear Almost, There is actually wide variety of travel discounts available to older travelers – usually starting at either age 50, 55, 60, 62 or 65. But, you first need to be aware that when it comes to senior travel bargains, the “senior discount” may not always be the best deal. Hotels, airlines and cruise lines, for example, offer … [Read more...] about Travel discounts available to older travelers

Dear Savvy Senior, What does Medicare cover when it comes to eye care? I currently have good vision insurance through my employer but will lose it when I retire. Looking Ahead Dear Looking, Many retirees are unclear with what Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to eye care. The good news is that Medicare covers most medical issues like cataract surgery, treatment of eye diseases and medical emergencies. But unfortunately, routine care like eye exams and eyeglasses are usually the beneficiary’s responsibility. … [Read more...] about How Medicare covers your eyes

Dear Savvy Senior, What does Medicare cover when it comes to eye care? I currently have good vision insurance through my employer but will lose it when I retire. Looking Ahead Dear Looking, Many retirees are unclear with what Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to eye care. The good news is that Medicare covers most medical issues like cataract surgery, treatment of eye diseases and medical emergencies. But unfortunately, routine care like eye exams and eyeglasses are usually the beneficiary’s responsibility. … [Read more...] about How Medicare covers your eyes

Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any computer software products that you know of that will let me help my parents with their computer issues from afar? They are in their seventies and frequently call me with their computer questions and problems, but I live across town and don’t always have time to get in the car and drive over to help them. What’s available that can help us? Weary Son Dear Weary, Helping an elder loved with their computer questions or problems over the phone can be frustrating and difficult. Fortunately, there … [Read more...] about How to help seniors with their computer issues from far away

Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to fly my elderly parents across the country next month for my daughter’s wedding but have some concerns about the flight. My mom has trouble walking long distances and my dad has COPD and needs an oxygen tank. What airport or airline services are available to help old passengers? Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, Flying can be physically exhausting for anyone, but for seniors with health issues or physical limitations it can be extremely challenging. Here are a few tips that can … [Read more...] about Air travel tips for seniors with special needs

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about reverse mortgages? I was considering one last year, but now I hear they are more difficult to get. Ready to Reverse Dear Ready, That’s correct. Tighter rules on reverse mortgages that have recently gone into affect have made them harder to get, especially for seniors with heavy debt problems. The reason the Federal Housing Administration made these changes was to strengthen the product, which has suffered from a struggling housing market and a growing number of defaults by … [Read more...] about How reverse mortgages work in 2014

Dear Savvy Senior, Where can I get help with my Medicare decisions? I’m approaching 65, and could use some help sorting through the different Medicare plan options that are available to me. Almost Eligible Dear Almost, The options and choices available to Medicare beneficiaries today can be overwhelming. In addition to original Medicare (Part A and B) that has been around for 49 years, you also have the option of enrolling in a Part D prescription drug plan, and a supplemental (Medigap) policy – both of which are sold by … [Read more...] about How to get help with Medicare decisions

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some popular work at home jobs for retirees? I’m interested in earning a little extra cash, but would also like to stay at home and have a flexible schedule. Recently Retired Dear Retired, If you have a computer with high-speed Internet access and a home phone, there are unlimited work-at-home opportunities for retirees depending on your skills and interest. But beware of scams. Work-at-home scams that offer big paydays without much effort are rampant on the Internet. The best way to … [Read more...] about Work-At-Home Employment Opportunities for Retirees

Dear Savvy Senior, When I had a mild heart attack about six months ago my doctor told me I needed to be extra careful during the winter when recurring heart attacks are more common. Is this true? How can the seasons affect your heart? Leery Senior Dear Leery, Everyone knows winter is cold and flu season, but most people don’t know that it’s also the prime season for heart attacks too, especially if you already have heart disease or have suffered a previous heart attack. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help … [Read more...] about How to Guard Against Wintertime Heart Attacks