Featured Story
When the check is not in the mail anymore
The mailbox flag goes up — a small red signal on a quiet suburban street. Martha, let’s call her, doesn’t think twice. She’s mailed checks this way for 40 years. It’s safe. It’s familiar. But as she walks back inside, a car slows in front of her house. Not enough to draw attention — just enough to watch. Minutes later, the mailbox is empty. Soon after, a thief dips... READ MORE
Remember to establish a power of attorney
One of the most important components of estate planning is establishing a power of attorney. When a healthy individual suddenly becomes incapacitated, leaving them unable to make decisions, it is critical to have a financial advocate assigned to look out for their interest. When a financial advocate, namely an individual with a power of attorney, is not assigned, the result can be... READ MORE
What to know about Medicare Part D plans
Enrolling in Medicare Part D isn’t a “one-and-done” decision. Leaving your plan on autopilot during open enrollment (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7) could cost you hundreds in unexpected premiums and out-of-pocket fees. A different plan might offer a much better deal — especially if you’ve started new medications or your current drugs have transitioned to generic over the past... READ MORE
Don’t fall for these five types of email scams
A few months ago, I received an email from Geek Squad about a renewal of a membership there that I never purchased. It listed a number to call a customer support team. Many people who receive an email informing them that they have spent $500 on a three-year membership they never signed up for would call that number. I knew better. First, I took a closer look at the sender’s email... READ MORE
Roth conversions in your 70s can be risky
If you’re an American in your mid-70s, your retirement accounts are both a comfort and a challenge. After decades of work, diligent saving and consistent investing, your balance might climb into the millions. Yet, since you turned 72 or 73 (depending on the year you were born), you’ve had to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA. Say you’re now 75 with about... READ MORE
Travel scams are becoming more tricky
Pickpockets were once the biggest worry for travelers heading to new destinations on vacation. But travel scams have become more sophisticated, and scammers using new artificial intelligence tools have become better at creating fake websites and using stolen data to their advantage, said Florent Silve, an executive at Engine, a corporate-travel management platform. “What used to... READ MORE
Easy ways to plan a simple, affordable funeral
Dear Savvy Senior, I’d like to make my end-of-life arrangements, but I want to keep things simple and affordable. What are my options? —86-Year-Old Dear 86, Smart thinking! Planning ahead can save your loved ones a lot of stress and money. With a traditional burial averaging around $10,000 and a full-service cremation near $6,500, it’s easy to see why many people are looking... READ MORE
Don’t forget to take your RMDs by year-end
Did you forget to take your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) late last year? You’re not alone. Each year, nearly 7% — or 585,000 IRA holders — make that mistake, and that’s only at Vanguard. Many more retirees with traditional IRAs fail to take their RMDs every year. The reasons why vary. For some, it’s an oversight. For others, they don’t even know what RMDs are, let ... READ MORE
What should you do about Medigap?
When we reach 65, that magic age of Medicare eligibility, we have some serious financial decisions to make about getting supplemental coverage. But there’s the alphabet soup of plan options, the complexity of what’s covered and what’s not, and the challenge of figuring out what Future You is going to need. “It is 100 percent overwhelming,” said Kevin Moss, senior editor at the... READ MORE
Pondering the P-word: prenuptial agreements
Q: I told my sister my boyfriend recently brought up the M-word (marriage), and she asked if he also brought up getting a prenup. He didn’t; should he have? We met a few years ago after going through rough divorces and both swore we’d never get married again. I think my sister has a lot more money than I do, if that makes any difference. She’s a widow. —Deborah Anne, Virginia A:... READ MORE
Money 2026
#The Savings Game #Medicare #Travel Tips #Retirement #Medigap #Love After 50 #Savvy Senior
