Nervous investors look to dividend stocks
While most investors are publicly celebrating this record-setting bull market, many tell me in private that they’re nervous about the possibility of a downturn.People have different reactions when the market does so well for so long. Some are sure they should get out, but greed won’t let them pull the plug. Others are eager to get in on the action, but fear won’t let them... READ MORE
No heart attack or your money back?
Warranties and money-back guarantees, long used to entice buyers of products like hand tools and kitchen gadgets, are now being used to sell something more crucial: pricey new-generation drugs for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.Deals being negotiated between drugmakers and the insurers who buy medicines now sometimes include extra rebates — or even full refunds —... READ MORE
If online, beware: fraudsters proliferate
During a recent stay in a San Diego rehabilitation facility to recover from surgery, Eva Velasquez’s mother used social media to keep her spirits up. “She was all over Facebook,” Velasquez said.For some seniors, going online links them to a larger community for support. But there’s a downside as well, according to Velasquez, who is also president of the Identity... READ MORE
Climbers reach for new heights
Whether it’s flying, scuba diving or hiking, Carol Christian likes to be on the move. So when she first moved to Baltimore and friends invited her to join them in rock climbing, she didn’t hesitate. Now, more than 15 years later, she’s still a regular at the Earth Treks indoor climbing gym in Timonium.Christian, who lives in Baltimore City and is an astronomer with the... READ MORE
Free press survival
Do we have a sound, independent, even fierce press corps that digs out the truth at any cost and spares no one? Or are we surrounded by faux news outlets, “bot” reporters, and marketing pieces masquerading as legitimate reviews? Do we look to the press to inform us and enlighten us? Or do we read only those outlets that confirm our preconceived notions? These questions go to the... READ MORE
Live long advice: belly up to the (grab) bar
How I See ItBy Bob LeveyAmong my many guilty pleasures (bad novels, oldies rock, Greek wine), I rank one higher than all others: Newspaper stories about people who have just turned 100.Usually the lucky duck is female (sorry, fellas). And very often, she has a saucy answer to explain her longevity.Drink a shot of bourbon every day.Smoke unfiltered Camels whenever you like.And, quite often,... READ MORE
Queens is king of Big Apple’s diversity
Not hungry enough for a sit-down breakfast, I munched on Tibetan dumplings purchased from a snack truck decorated with a sign that touted “Himalayan Fresh Food.” Lunch was a hurried affair at a five-table eatery where the menu special is yak meat washed down by salty yak milk tea.For dinner, I chose a small restaurant that gives new meaning to the word “eclectic.”... READ MORE
Widows need an attorney to protect assets
Recently widowed women and their children are vulnerable. After losing a spouse, many women are treated poorly. They need a champion with expertise in estates, contracts, competency, and other legal subjects. As explained below, this area of law is effectively a “wronged widow” practice.For centuries, numerous people have profited from the death of a colleague, friend or... READ MORE
New technologies to prove you are you
The days of PINs and passwords are numbered as more companies embrace futuristic identification software designed to combine practicality with protection.Facial recognitionDelta Air Lines has started testing facial recognition technology at a self-service bag drop in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.Passengers will check in with the airline and check their luggage at a kiosk... READ MORE
Appraisals added to annual 50+ Expos
Who will be the lucky winner of a 10-day vacation for two to China? Two lucky registrants at the 2017 Beacon 50+Expos, that’s who! For the 18th year in a row, the Beacon Newspapers expects to attract thousands of attendees to its two expos — free, annual events featuring health screenings, informative resources, an expert speaker, flu shots and entertainment for older adults and... READ MORE
