Foster County Independent - The Official Newspaper for Foster County

Articles written by Jim Miller

Sorted by date  Results 1 - 25 of 67



 By Jim Miller    Features    June 5, 2023 

Savvy Senior: Can I collect Social Security from my ex-spouse?

Dear Savvy Senior, Is it possible to collect Social Security benefits from my ex-spouse? We were married for 12 years but have been divorced for almost 20 years now. Never Remarried Dear Never, Yes,...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    May 29, 2023

Savvy Senior: How Medicare covers physical therapy

Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare cover physical therapy, and if so, how much coverage do they provide? My 66-year-old husband was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and will need ongoing...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    May 22, 2023

Savvy Senior: Toenail trimming tips

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good toenail clipping solutions for seniors? My toenails have gotten increasingly thick since I’ve gotten older and have become very difficult for me to...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    May 15, 2023

Savvy Senior: Best dating apps for retirees

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good online dating apps or sites for retirees? I’m a 66-year-old widow and would like to find a new friend to spend time with, but don’t know where to...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    May 8, 2023

Savvy Senior: How to prepare a will

Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to make my last will and testament and would like to know if I can do it myself, or do I need to hire a lawyer? Don’t Have Much Dear Don’t, Very good question!...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    May 1, 2023

Savvy Senior: How Medicare covers canes

Dear Savvy Senior, I have some hip and back problems and could use a walking cane to help me get around. Is there anything I should know about canes before I buy one? Limping Linda Dear Linda, When...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    April 24, 2023

Savvy Senior: Tips for traveling with grandchildren

Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are interested in taking our two grandkids on a big trip this summer and are looking for some good ideas. Can you recommend some travel companies that offer...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    April 17, 2023

Savvy Senior: New RMD rules for 2023

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the new rules on required minimum distributions from IRAs and 401(k)s? I will turn 72 this year and want to be clear on what I’m required to do. Planning Ahead Dear...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    April 10, 2023

Savvy Senior: Fun part-time jobs for retirees

Dear Savvy Senior, As a 68-year-old retiree, I’m interested in finding a fun part-time job that can occupy some of my time and generate a little extra income. Can you write a column on low-stress...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    April 3, 2023

Savvy Senior: Choosing an assisted living facility

Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best way to go about choosing an assisted living facility for my 86-year-old father? Since mom died last year, his health has declined to the point that he can’t...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    March 27, 2023

Savvy Senior: How to appeal Medicare surcharges

Dear Savvy Senior, Is there anything I can do to reduce my high Medicare premium surcharges? Because of my past income, I pay $329.70 per month for my Part B premium and $64.50/month for Part D, but...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    March 20, 2023

Savvy Senior: Getting paid as a family caregiver

Dear Savvy Senior, I have been taking care of my elderly father for over a year and it’s taking a toll on my finances because I can only work part-time. Are there any resources you know about that...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    March 13, 2023

Savvy Senior: Donating your body to science

Dear Savvy Senior, I am interested in possibly donating my body to science when I pass away. What can you tell me about this, and what would I need to do to set it up? Getting Old Dear Getting, If...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    March 6, 2023

Savvy Senior: How to protect seniors from scam phone calls

Dear Savvy Senior, What tools can you recommend to help protect trusting seniors from scam calls? My 74-year-old mother gets tons of unwanted telemarketing and robocalls on her cell and home phone...

 

Savvy Senior: Could you have a thyroid problem and not know it?

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the symptoms of thyroid disease? I’ve been dealing with a number of health issues over the past few years, and a friend of mine recently suggested I get my thyroid checke...

 

Savvy Senior: How much do you have to make to file taxes?

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My income dropped way down when I retired in 2022, so I’m wondering if I need to even file a tax retu...

 

Savvy Senior: How to cover dental care in retirement

Dear Savvy Senior, I had dental insurance through my work for many years but lost it when I retired and joined Medicare. Where can retirees find affordable dental care? Uninsured Al Dear Al, Unfortuna...

 

Savvy Senior: What happens if you work while receiving Social Security?

Dear Savvy Senior, I started drawing my Social Security retirement benefits back in 2021 when I was forced to retire early, but I’m now interested in going back to work part-time. Will this affect...

 

Savvy Senior: When can I change my Medicare coverage?

Dear Savvy Senior, Is it possible to make changes to my Medicare coverage now? I know we’ve passed the fall open enrollment period, but I’ve heard that there are other times of the year...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    January 9, 2023

Savvy Senior: A checklist of what to do when a loved one dies

Dear Savvy Senior, What steps need to be taken after a loved one dies? My 71-year-old uncle, who’s divorced with no children, has terminal cancer. He’s asked me to take care of his affairs so I...

 
 By Jim Miller    Features    January 2, 2023

Savvy Senior: Simple home safety solutions for aging-in-place

Dear Savvy Senior, Falls and fires are the two things I worry most about for my elderly father who lives alone. Do you have any suggestions on what we can do to help keep him safe, and keep an eye on...

 

Savvy Senior: How to reduce your medical bills

Dear Savvy Senior, What tips do you recommend to Medicare beneficiaries dealing with hefty medical bills? My husband recently had open heart surgery and is recovering slowly, but the medical bills are...

 

Savvy Senior: Tips for being a long distance caregiver

Dear Savvy Senior, What tips do you recommend for long-distance caregivers? I help take care of my stubborn 86-year-old mother who still lives at home about 150 miles from me. Need Advice Dear Need,...

 

Savvy Senior: Little known property tax relief programs help seniors save

Dear Savvy Senior, I recently learned about a property-tax relief program for seniors in the county where I live. Apparently, there are hundreds of these programs across the country that many...

 

Savvy Senior: How to buy over-the-counter hearing aids

Dear Savvy Senior, I’m interested in getting some of the new over-the-counter hearing aids that just became available a few month ago. Can you offer any tips to help me with this? Straining to Hear...

 

Page Down

Our Family of Publications Includes:

New Rockford 260x100
Foster County News 260x100
Turtle Mountain Guide
Lake Region Guide

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2023