Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that a portion of my Social Security benefits may be taxable when I retire. Can you tell me how to calculate this? – Ready to Retire Dear Ready,... — Updated 1/20/2021

Dear Savvy Senior, My mom, who’s 76, has become more forgetful lately, and is worried she may be getting Alzheimer’s disease. What resources can you recommend to help us get a... — Updated 12/16/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, Will my Medicare benefits be affected if Obamacare is overturned by the Supreme Court? – Concerned Beneficiary Dear Concerned, Unfortunately, yes. If the... — Updated 11/19/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any resources that you know of that can help seniors detect fake news? My 75-year-old mother shares a lot of misinformation with her family and friends... — Updated 10/28/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about reverse mortgages? The coronavirus damage to my retirement account has me considering it, but I want to make sure I know what I'm... — Updated 9/23/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any financial assistance programs you can refer me to? The coronavirus pandemic has cost me my part-time retirement job and has shrunk my measly IRA... — Updated 8/26/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, I lost my job last month because of the coronavirus crisis. With little savings, I've been thinking about starting my Social Security benefits early to help me... — Updated 7/22/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, I manage a large doctor's clinic that treats hundreds of seniors each month. We are moving to more telehealth visits to help keep our patients safe at home... — Updated 6/26/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good grocery and/or meal service delivery options for seniors? My 78-year-old mother has always shopped for herself, but since the... — Updated 5/27/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, Amid all the troubling coronavirus news, I’ve also read that there are various coronavirus scams going around right now taking advantage of innocent people who... — Updated 3/18/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, What kinds of legal documents do I need to prepare to help my family after I’m gone? I would like to get my affairs in order but could use some help. —Almost... — Updated 2/19/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, My husband, who lives at home, has dementia and I worry about him wandering off and not being able to get back. Can you recommend some monitoring technology... — Updated 1/23/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any resources that provide free or low-cost legal services to seniors? I’m 68 and need some professional legal assistance but have limited... — Updated 12/18/2019

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... — Updated 11/21/2019

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.... — Updated 5/30/2018

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... — Updated 1/24/2018

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... — Updated 12/27/2017

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... — Updated 11/1/2017

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... — Updated 9/13/2017

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 becomin... — Updated 8/30/2017

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... — Updated 7/5/2017 Full story

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... — Updated 4/5/2017 Full story

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... — Updated 10/27/2016

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.... — Updated 9/28/2016

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?... — Updated 9/14/2016 Full story