Articles written by Jim Miller
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 74
How to create an ethical will
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you write a column on ethical wills and how to make one? The attorney that made up my will recently suggested I write one as a tool to explain the intentions of my will, as well as express my thoughts and feelings, but I don...
What you need to know about reverse mortgages | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about reverse mortgages for retirees? My wife and I are contemplating getting one but want to make sure we know what we’re getting into. Running Short Dear Running, For retirees who own their home and want...
Financial help with home-care bills l Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, Do you know of any resources that can help with my mother’s home-care bills? Mom is recovering from a stroke and needs in-home care, but I understand Medicare doesn’t cover it, and she doesn’t have long-term care insurance....
Simple home modifications that can help seniors age in place l Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend to help make a home safer for aging-in-place? My 76-year-old mother wants to stay living in her own home for as long as possible, but she doesn’t have the money for any big renovations. Concerned son...
When will Medicaid pay for nursing home care?
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the eligibility requirements to get Medicaid coverage for nursing home care? Caregiving Daughter Dear Caregiving, The rules and requirements for Medicaid eligibility for nursing home care are complicated and will vary...
Which cars are a good fit for older drivers, and why? | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, My wife and I are both in our late 60s and looking to buy a new car. Can you recommend some good resources that can help us evaluate and choose a good car for older drivers? Car Shoppers Dear Shoppers, With more than 40 million...
How to help seniors addicted to opioids | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, I’m worried about my 72-year-old mother who has been taking the opioid medication Vicodin for her hip and back pain for more than a year. I fear she’s becoming addicted to the drug but I don’t know what to do. Concerned Da...
How to hire a home helper | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to hire a personal assistant/home helper for my mom to assist with some simple household chores like house keeping, errand running, driving her to the doctor, and keeping her company. But mom doesn’t require...
Will working in retirement affect my Social Security? | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, I’m considering retiring later this year and starting my Social Security benefits, but would also like to work part time. Will this affect my benefits, and if so, how much? Ready to Retire Dear Ready, You can collect Social...
How to apply for Social Security retirement benefits | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, What is the easiest way to apply for my Social Security retirement benefits, and how far in advance do I need to apply before I start collecting? Approaching 62 Dear Approaching, The Social Security Administration offers three...
Flu vaccines designed specifically for seniors | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any specific flu shots that are better suited for seniors? I just turned 65 and would like to find out what’s recommended and how Medicare covers it. Semi-Healthy Senior Dear Semi-Healthy, There are actually two...
How to prevent falls at home | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, My 79-year-old mother, who lives alone, has fallen several times over the past year. Are there any extra precautions we should take that can help prevent this? Worried Daughter Dear Worried, Falls are a big concern for many...
How to find financial assistance for elderly parents | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, Where can I go to locate financial assistance programs for seniors? I have been helping support my 70-year-old mother the past couple years and really can’t afford to do it any longer. Feeling Overwhelmed Dear Overwhelmed,...
Great gadgets for aging golfers | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any products that can help older golfers? I love to play golf, but at age 74, I have hip and back problems that make bending over to tee up or pick up the ball difficult. And I have arthritis in my thumbs that...
How to replace vital documents that are lost or stolen | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you tell me how to go about replacing important lost documents? My wife and I recently downsized to a retirement community, and somewhere in the move we lost our Social Security and Medicare cards, birth certificates, marriage...
Booster shots recommended for seniors | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 65 and would like to find out what types of vaccinations are recommended to Medicare beneficiaries, and how they are covered. Health Conscious Dear Conscious, Most people think that vaccinations are just for kids,...
How to avoid Medicare mistakes when you’re still working | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, Should I enroll in Medicare at age 65 if I’m still working and have coverage through my employer? Almost 65 Dear Almost, The rules for enrolling in Medicare can be very confusing with all the different choices available...
Understanding reverse mortgages: Beware of misleading ads | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you give us a rundown of how reverse mortgages work? I’ve see actors Fred Thompson and Henry Winkler pitching them on TV, and they sound like a good deal. What can you tell me? Need the Money Dear Need, When it comes to...
How to save on hearing aids | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, Where can we find affordable hearing aids? My husband needs a set, but we can’t really afford to pay the exorbitant prices. Can you help us? Loud-Talking Wife Dear Loud, It’s unfortunate, but millions of Americans with...
Roadside assistance services for older drivers | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to get my wife and I set up with some type of roadside assistance service in case we get a flat tire or our battery conks out. Can you recommend some good and affordable services for retirees on a budget? Too Old to...
Food assistance programs can help seniors in need | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, I run a community counseling program for needy families and am frustrated that so few eligible seniors take advantage of the food stamp program. Can you write a column on this to help educate seniors to this underutilized benefit?...
How to look for love and companionship online | Savvy Senior
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 o...
Low-cost or free cellphone options for seniors | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the cheapest cellphone options available today to seniors living on a shoestring budget? I only need it for occasional calls. -Seldom Calling Senior Dear Seldom, For financially challenged seniors who only want a cellphone...
How to make an online memorial for a departed loved one | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about online memorials? My uncle recently passed away, and some of the family thought it would be neat to create an online memorial to pay tribute to him, and accommodate the many family and friends who are...
How to protect your Medicare card from identity theft | Savvy Senior
Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 65 and received my Medicare card. I see that the ID number on my card is the same as my Social Security number, and on the back of the card it tells me I need to carry it with me at all times. What can I do to...