How to keep your digital data safe
If you follow technology news, you’ve likely noticed a steady rise in large-scale data breaches and cyber incidents. The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies has made it easier for criminals to create and automate malware, impersonate employees and exploit weaknesses in systems quicker than before. Investors need to be alert. Even if you practice great ... READ MORE
Watch these threats to lifetime income security
Bob Carlson is a recognized expert on retirement. I reviewed one of his books very favorably a few years ago. He also publishes "Retirement Watch," an excellent monthly publication which covers the latest regulatory changes that impact retirement and estate planning. In a recent publication Carlson sent to his subscribers, he discussed six threats to lifetime income security. Following... READ MORE
With the right mindset, we can adapt to tech
“What’s wrong with me? I feel so stupid!” My client Joan (not her real name) and I were looking at her iPad together. Joan retired from a long career as a social worker. She raised three children and manages all her own affairs. At 83 she’s still elegant, articulate and active in her social circle. Still, she was humbled by this tablet. “Why does this iPad make me feel like... READ MORE
Switch to a low-cost smartphone plan
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the absolute lowest-cost smartphone plans for seniors who mainly talk and text but need a little cellular data for email and occasional use? I’m currently paying $40 a month and hoping to cut that down. —Looking to Save Dear Looking, You’re asking a smart question. Many seniors pay far more for smartphone service than they actually use. If... READ MORE
Avoid the ‘tax avalanche’ in retirement
Most people think their tax burden will shrink in retirement. But for many, the opposite is true. Like a snowball rolling down a mountain, taxes that start small can grow larger and eventually threaten to bury your income, your retirement quality and your legacy. Even though the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) preserved much of today’s lower-rate environment, that doesn’t mean... READ MORE
BGE bill higher? Data centers are the culprit
A few blocks away from Lexington Market in Baltimore, inside a six-story building adorned with intricate detailing, there’s a data center that uses enough electricity to power a city roughly the size of Dundalk, Maryland. The company that runs the over 150,000-square-foot facility announced in 2024 it would triple the data center’s capacity over the next few years to meet the... READ MORE
Try these free (or cheap) online classes
Every state in the U.S. offers free or almost free college courses for older people, where you may be asked to attend on-campus or you may find a class online. Learning new skills can help senior citizens stay youthful, boost cognitive function, memory and emotional well-being. The studies back it up. Scientific American shows that older adults aged 60 to 90 in a structured learning... READ MORE
How retirees can get the best freebies
Everything’s getting pricier — food, healthcare, housing, you name it. Prices are climbing, and wallets are feeling the squeeze. Thankfully, some things in life are still free — senior discounts on everything from going to the movies to riding the bus are ripe for the taking. We gathered a collection of our favorite retirement-friendly freebies. Free prescription drugs Tap into... READ MORE
Avoid disinheriting your grandchildren
Retirement accounts often represent a substantial portion of a client's estate, yet the beneficiary designation forms that control their distribution are too often treated as an afterthought. Estate planning attorneys are familiar with the routine: The client names their spouse as the primary beneficiary and their children as contingent beneficiaries — focusing solely on the fact that... READ MORE
Don’t fall for these IRS and charity scams
Scammers have become more sophisticated, especially those that use artificial intelligence (AI)-generated fake websites, emails and texts that are convincing to the undiscerning — and sometimes even the discerning — eye. The IRS is warning that email addresses might be spoofed, communications might contain realistic-looking case numbers, and caller-ID masking on phone calls can fool... READ MORE
