Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the new Obamacare health insurance exchanges that begin next year? I am interested in retiring early at age 61, but need to find some affordable health until my Medicare benefits begin at 65. Ready to Retire Dear Ready, The new health insurance exchanges – also known as Health Insurance Marketplaces – that begin in 2014 will be a welcome benefit to millions of Americans who need health insurance, especially uninsured baby boomers and pre-Medicare retirees who often have a difficult … [Read more...] about How health insurance marketplaces will help early retirees
Savvy Senior
Looking for love and companionship online
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about online dating for older people? My daughter has been urging me to give it a try, but at age 62, I’m a little hesitant. Lonely Senior Dear Lonely, Dating sites have become enormously popular among the older generation in recent years. In fact, boomers and seniors make up about 20 percent of online daters today, and the numbers keeps growing. Here’s what you should know. Meeting Online If you’re interested in dating again or are just looking for a friend to spend time with, … [Read more...] about Looking for love and companionship online
How to diagnose and treat sleep apnea
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about sleep apnea? My husband, who’s 60, has become such a terrible snorer he wakes himself up at night, and he keeps me up too. Sleepy Shelly Dear Shelly, If your husband is a loud snorer who wakes himself up during sleep, he probably needs to be tested for sleep apnea, a dangerous disorder that affects around 22 million Americans – and most don’t even know it. Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep, dozens and even hundreds of times during … [Read more...] about How to diagnose and treat sleep apnea
Simplified Smartphones for boomers and seniors
Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any smartphones specifically designed for seniors that you know of? I’m interested in getting one, but at age 69, I want to find one that’s easy to see and use. Semi-Smart Senior Dear Semi-Smart, There are actually several manufacturers who are now making simplified smartphones with features designed primarily for older users who have limited experience with modern gadgetry. Here’s a rundown of what’s currently and soon-to-be available. Pantech Flex: One of the best and most affordable … [Read more...] about Simplified Smartphones for boomers and seniors
Savvy Senior
How Medicare covers diabetes Dear Savvy Senior, What does Medicare cover when it comes to diabetes? I’m 65 and have pre-diabetes, and would like to find out what all is covered. Fat Albert Dear Albert, Medicare actually offers a wide range of coverage to help beneficiaries who have diabetes, as well as those who are at risk of getting it – but they don’t cover everything. Here’s a breakdown of what Medicare covers when it comes to diabetes services and supplies along with some other tips that can help you … [Read more...] about Savvy Senior
Do you need to file a tax return this year?
Dear Savvy Senior, My income dropped way off when I retired early last year, and I’m wondering if I fall into the so called “47 percent” of Americans who won’t have to pay and income taxes this year. What can you tell me? Curious Senior Dear Curious, The percentage of seniors, age 65 and older, who won’t have to pay income taxes this year, is actually around 56 percent according the Tax Policy Center. Here’s a breakdown of the 2012 filing requirements along with a few other tax tips to help you determine if you need to … [Read more...] about Do you need to file a tax return this year?
How to divvy up your stuff
Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best, conflict-free way to divvy up my personal possessions to my kids after I’m gone? I have a lot of jewelry, art, family heirlooms and antique furniture, and five grown kids that don’t always see eye-to-eye on things. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Seeking Peace Dear Seeking, Divvying up personal possessions among adult children or other loved ones is a task that many parents dread. Deciding who should get what without showing favoritism, hurting someone’s feeling or causing a feud can … [Read more...] about How to divvy up your stuff
Getting Social Security help may boost your benefits
Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any services that you can recommend that help pre-retirees decide when to start drawing their Social Security benefits? My wife and I are still a few years away from retiring but want to carefully weigh all our options to make sure we get the most from our benefits. Approaching Retirement Dear Approaching, Deciding when to begin collecting your Social Security benefits could be one of the most important retirement-income decisions you’ll make. The difference between a good decision and a poor one … [Read more...] about Getting Social Security help may boost your benefits
Medicare Preventive Services: What’s free, what’s not!
Dear Savvy Senior, What types of preventive health screenings does Medicare completely cover, and which ones require a coinsurance fee? I’m due to get some preventive tests done, but I want to find out how much I’ll have to pay before I proceed. Frugal Retiree Dear Frugal, Medicare covers a wide array of preventive services to help you stay healthy, but it’s important to know which services are totally covered, and which ones will generate some out-of-pocket costs. Free Services Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, … [Read more...] about Medicare Preventive Services: What’s free, what’s not!
How to Locate Discounts If You’re 50 or Older
Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 50 and would like to know what resources you recommend for locating senior discounts. Love To Save Dear Love, One of the great perks of growing older in the U.S. is the many discounts that are available to boomers and seniors. If you don’t mind admitting your age, here are some tips and tools to help you find them. Always Ask The first thing to know is that not all businesses advertise them, but many give senior discounts just for asking, so don’t ever be shy to ask. You also need to … [Read more...] about How to Locate Discounts If You’re 50 or Older