http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior Savvy Senior RSS Feed http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2012-01-18_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2012-01-18_how_to_get_financial_and_retirement_advice_on_a_budget http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-12-14_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-12-14_how_to_find_and_research_doctors_who_accept_medicare http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-11-16_funeral_planning_on_a_budget 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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-11-16_funeral_planning_on_a_budget http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-10-19_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-10-19_new_flu_vaccine_for_seniors_provides_better_protection http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-09-21_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-09-21_downsizing_solutions_for_seniors_ http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-08-17_how_to_prevent_falls 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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-08-17_how_to_prevent_falls http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-07-20_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-07-20_assistive_listening_devices_can_help_seniors_hear_better http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-06-15_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-06-15_assistance_programs_for_lower_income_seniors_ http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-05-18_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-05-18_how_seniors_can_stop_junk_mail_and_prevent_mail_fraud_ http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-04-20_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-04-20_elder_mediation_can_help_adult_families_resolve_conflicts http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-03-16_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-03-16_how_to_keep_up_with_your_medications http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-02-16_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-02-16_do_you_need_to_file_a_tax_return_this_year___ http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-01-19_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2011-01-19_help_for_seniors_facing_foreclosure http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-12-15_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-12-15_recommended_vaccinations_for_seniors_this_flu_season http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-11-17_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-11-17_medicare_s_preventive_services_are_about_to_get_better http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-10-20_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-10-20_best_cell_phone_plans_for_seldom_calling_seniors http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-09-15_senior_friendly_furniture_ 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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-09-15_senior_friendly_furniture_ http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-08-18_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-08-18_important_health_screenings_for_seniors http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-07-21_how_to_settle_your_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-07-21_how_to_settle_your_loved_one_s_estate_ http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-04-21_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 http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/savvy-senior/article.exm/2010-04-21_driving_helpers_for_aging_drivers_and_concerned_families