Wed, Jan 18, 2012
How to get financial and retirement advice on a budget
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any resources that provide affordable one-shot financial advice for folks on a budget? I’m about six years from retirement and would like a quick financial checkup and get a few questions answered, but I don’t want to pay an ongoing financial advisor to manage my money. -Seeking Advice
Wed, Dec 14, 2011
How to find and research doctors who accept Medicare
Dear Savvy Senior, What resources are available to help seniors locate and research Medicare doctors? My husband and I are approaching age 65 and need to find a new internist or primary care doctor who accepts Medicare. Our current doctor is not enrolled with Medicare and will not continue seeing us as Medicare patients. -Looking For Care
Wed, Nov 16, 2011
Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 75, and have been thinking about getting my funeral and burial arrangements taken care of so my kids won’t have to. What funeral preplanning tips can you offer a senior with little money? -Not Dead Yet
Wed, Oct 19, 2011
New flu vaccine for seniors provides better protection
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve read that there is a new extra-strength flu vaccine being offered to seniors this year. What can you tell me about it, where can I find it, and does Medicare cover it? -Flu-Conscious Connie
Wed, Sep 21, 2011
Downsizing solutions for seniors
Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend to help seniors with downsizing? I have been thinking about moving to a retirement community, but in order to move I need to get rid of a lot of my stuff. I have a four-bedroom house as well as an attic and basement that are full. Any tips would be appreciated. -Overwhelmed Senior
Wed, Aug 17, 2011
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you write a column on fall prevention tips for elderly seniors? My 81-year-old father, who lives alone, has fallen several times over the past year. What can you tell us? -Concerned Daughter
Wed, Jul 20, 2011
Assistive listening devices can help seniors hear better
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about assistive listening devices? My husband is hearing impaired but doesn’t like wearing his hearing aids, so I’m wondering if some of these devices can help. -Loud Talking Spouse
Wed, Jun 15, 2011
Assistance programs for lower-income seniors
Dear Savvy Senior, What kinds of programs are available to help low-income seniors with their Medicare costs and other expenses? My 81-year-old mother has gone through her savings and is having a tough time getting by on her Social Security benefits. What can you tell us? -Worried Son
Wed, May 18, 2011
How seniors can stop junk mail and prevent mail fraud
Dear Savvy Senior, How can I reduce the junk mail my elderly mother gets? She gets around 25 pieces of junk mail each day, and I just discovered that she’s given away nearly $2,000 over the past year to many of the sleazy groups that mail her this junk. How can I stop this? -Frustrated Daughter
Wed, Apr 20, 2011
Elder mediation can help adult families resolve conflicts
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about elder mediation for resolving family conflicts? My mother has Alzheimer’s disease, and to make matters worse, my three siblings and I have been perpetually arguing about how to handle her care and finances. Would this type of service be helpful to us? -Tired of Fighting
Wed, Mar 16, 2011
How to keep up with your medications
Dear Savvy Senior, What devices can you recommend to help forgetful seniors keep up with their medications? My 76-year-old mother takes nine different prescription drugs and that doesn’t include all the vitamin supplements or over-the-counter medicines she takes. Any suggestions? -Concerned Daughter
Wed, Feb 16, 2011
Do You Need To File a Tax Return This Year?
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS filing requirements for seniors this year? I had to file income tax returns last year, but my income dropped a bit and I’m wondering if I may be off the hook this year. What can you tell me? -Tired of Taxes
Wed, Jan 19, 2011
Help for seniors facing foreclosure
Dear Savvy Senior, What kind of help is available to seniors who are facing foreclosure? My 76-year-old mother has fallen behind on her house payments and is very concerned about losing her home. -Worried Daughter
Wed, Dec 15, 2010
Recommended vaccinations for seniors this flu season
Dear Savvy Senior, Outside of a seasonal flu shot, which I usually get, are public health officials recommending any additional vaccinations for seniors this flu season? -Cautious Carol
Wed, Nov 17, 2010
Medicare’s Preventive Services are about to get better
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve heard that Medicare will soon be offering seniors free health screenings. What can you tell me about this? -Searching Senior
Wed, Oct 20, 2010
Best cell phone plans for seldom calling seniors
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the absolutely cheapest cell phone plans for seniors? I’ve had a cell phone for nearly four years that I rarely use, but I like having it for emergency purposes. -Infrequent Caller
Wed, Sep 15, 2010
Dear Savvy Senior, I’m in the market for some senior-friendly furniture and could use some help. My husband and I have arthritis and have gotten to the point where getting up from a seated position – especially from our living room couch and recliners – has become a real chore. Can you recommend some good cushioned lift chairs or furniture accessories that can help us? -Can’t Get Up
Wed, Aug 18, 2010
Important health screenings for seniors
Dear Savvy Senior, What health screenings are recommended for seniors? My husband and I are very proactive about staying healthy and are wondering which screenings we really need. -Alive and Kicking
Wed, Jul 21, 2010
How to settle a loved one’s estate
Dear Savvy Senior, My 77-year-old aunt recently asked me to be the executor of her estate when she dies. I feel flattered that she asked, but I’m not sure what the job entails. What can you tell me, and where can I get some help? -Honored but Clueless
Wed, Apr 21, 2010
Driving helpers for aging drivers and concerned families
Dear Savvy Senior, What types of resources are available to help elderly drivers and their families? My 84-year-old mother still drives fairly well but her skills have diminished some over the past few years and I know the day is soon coming where she’ll need to quit. Backseat Son
Older Articles: 1 2
Subscribe to the Savvy Senior
RSS Feed