Author: Jim Miller
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Savvy Senior: How to better protect your Social Security number
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, I’m retired and was a victim of identity theft awhile back. I’ve already frozen my credit to protect myself, but I recently heard that I can also “lock” my Social Security number. What exactly does that mean, and is it something I should do? — Recently…
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Savvy Senior: What’s new with flu shots this fall
Dear Savvy Senior, I always get my annual flu shot, but I never know whether I’m getting the right one. Can you explain which flu vaccine is best for seniors this fall and whether there are any other recommended vaccines I should get? — Trying to Stay Healthy Dear Trying, If you’re 65 or older,…
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Savvy Senior: Simple ways to soothe bunion pain
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, I’m a 62-year-old woman and have had a bunion on my big toe for years, but lately it’s become more painful and is making it hard to find comfortable shoes. I’d like to avoid surgery if possible. What can I do to ease the discomfort and…
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Savvy Senior: Smartphones made simple for seniors
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, My 79-year-old mom just upgraded from a flip phone to a smartphone, but she’s having trouble figuring it out. Is there a way to make it easier for her to use? — Only Daughter Dear Only, Switching from a flip phone to a smartphone can be…
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Savvy Senior: A caregiver’s guide to Medicare
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, I’m taking care of my elderly father who recently had a stroke and have a lot of questions about how Medicare works and what it covers. He’s enrolled in original Medicare. Can you help me? — Caregiving Connie Dear Connie, Taking care of a parent after…
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Savvy Senior: With Social Security uncertainty, should you claim benefits early?
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, I turn 62 early next year and plan to retire soon after. Most advice says I should wait to claim Social Security because my monthly benefit will be higher. But with all the recent news about Social Security’s financial problems, I’m wondering if taking benefits early…
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Savvy Senior: How families can find lost money after a loved one dies
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, After my mom passed away, we discovered a few small accounts and an old insurance policy we didn’t know she still had. It made me wonder how often families uncover forgotten or unclaimed money like this after a parent dies. Is it common, and where should I start…
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Savvy Senior: Doctor visits without the drive — how Medicare covers telehealth
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, I don’t drive much anymore, so getting to the doctor can be a hassle. They suggested telehealth visits, but I’m not very tech savvy. How does Medicare cover these kinds of appointments? — Trying to Keep Up Dear Trying, Many older adults are running into the same issue. Getting…
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Savvy Senior: How to make sure your end-of-life wishes are followed
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, I had a living will/advance directive prepared about 10 years ago documenting my end-of-life medical wishes, but I’ve read that these documents are often ignored. What can you tell me about this? — Troubled Tina Dear Tina, Unfortunately, that can happen. Living wills aren’t always followed in practice,…
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Savvy Senior: What to do when medical bills pile up
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, I’m 63 and recently had a hospital stay that left me with bills I can’t afford to pay. I had Affordable Care Act health insurance, but after my premiums went up in January, I had to drop my coverage. Now I’m overwhelmed by medical bills. What…