February 5, 2024

Your weekly link to news and information from credible newspaper

and magazine publications, and electronic news media outlets nationwide.

Losing Weight After 60: Best Diets for Seniors: Weight loss for seniors is a popular topic, and for good reason – losing weight is difficult at any age, but it’s not impossible. U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 31.

9 Common Symptoms and Signs of a Kidney Problem: In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you might have few obvious signs or symptoms. Here's what to look for. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 1.

Is Chronic Inflammation Shortening Your Life? A healthy lifestyle centered on prevention is currently the best medicine available to keep chronic inflammation at bay. Next Avenue, Jan. 29.

With Cholesterol, It's a Numbers Game: Somehow, I had gone from 'safe' levels to 'Update Your Will' without realizing it, so I took action. Next Avenue, 2/1.

‘Do You Take Medicare?’ That is just one of the countless unfamiliar, time-critical matters I routinely have to resolve to avoid being penalized for all eternity. Next Avenue, Jan. 30.

What You Need to Know About Medicare Spouse Coverage: Are spouses who have not worked outside the home eligible for Medicare benefits? The Oklahoman, Jan. 30.

Medicare Advantage: CMS Wants Your Feedback. Here's What to Know: CMS seeks data-related input on the Medicare Advantage program in a push to improve transparency among the myriad of plans offered. Kiplinger, Jan. 30.

HSA and Medicare: Using HSA To Pay for Medicare Premiums: A health savings account, or HSA, is one option for helping to manage health care costs as you age. Learn how to use your HSA to cover Medicare premiums and medical costs. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 2.

'Gray Divorce' Rates Have Doubled. But it's a Costly Move, Especially for Women: The divorce rate has doubled since 1990 for Americans over 55. For couples over 65, the rate has tripled. And in financial terms, few “gray divorcees” are better off. USA Today, Jan. 28.

How to Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth after 60: You can convert an IRA to a Roth no matter how old you are. But if the conversion boosts your income, it could have taxing consequences. Kiplinger, Jan. 31.

10 Reasons to Save for Retirement in a Roth IRA: Roth IRAs offer tax-free income in retirement. Your contributions are made with after-tax dollars, and your withdrawals are not taxed in retirement. U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 31.

Smart Ways to Handle an Inheritance: Here's how to handle an inheritance like a pro. A bequest could change your life, but don’t quit your day job. Kiplinger, Feb. 1.

Managing Taxes in Retirement: When you disengage from the traditional working world, the process of calculating your tax obligations could become more complicated. Next Avenue, Feb. 1.

Best and Worst States to Retire (2024): Living in the right place after you retire can make your money go a lot further. To determine the best states to retire, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 46 key indicators of retirement-friendliness, from financial factors like tax rates and the cost of living to things like access to quality medical care and fun activities. WalletHub, Jan. 22.

More Americans Are Saying No to Full-Time Retirement: The idea of retirement as a long vacation after 40 years on the job may be on its way out. More and more Americans are enjoying second acts and envisioning retired life as just a later phase of their working lives. Kiplinger, Jan. 30.

January Is Nearly Over. Have You Done Your Retirement Review? While 2024 is still new, assessing where you stand in some key areas of personal finance can help smooth the transition to your later years. The New York Times, Jan. 27. (🔒Subscription may be required.)

10 Things You Should Know About Estate Planning: An estate plan lays out how you want your assets handled at your death or when you’re physically or mentally incapacitated. No wonder most people procrastinate creating one. Kiplinger, Jan. 31.

10 Common Scams That Target Seniors and How to Avoid Them: Victims of elder financial exploitation lose $28.3 billion annually, according to a 2023 BankSafe report by AARP. If you haven’t yet been approached by a scammer, you could face a scheme in the coming years. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 2.

Romance Scammers: They Call You Honey, but Don’t Send Them Money: Romance scams are increasingly common, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. NerdWallet, Feb. 1.

Nighttime Driving: Know the Risks: Driving at night can be risky business, as a dangerous combination of darkness and the glare of bright lights can make it hard to see the road. HealthDay News, Feb. 3.

5 Caregiving Terms to Help You Access Essential Services and Reduce Expenses for an Aging Parent: People living longer and in poor health has become a costly trend. An estimated 7 out of 10 people will require long-term care in their lifetime. CNBC, Jan. 30.

Caregivers Spend a Whopping $7,200 Out of Pocket. New Bill Would Provide Tax Relief: On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives will re-introduce a piece of legislation that would provide help in the form of a federal tax credit for eligible working family caregivers. USA Today, Jan. 31.

When a Spouse Goes to the Nursing Home: The move to a long-term care facility is often difficult but necessary for frail patients. For their partners, it can mean a new set of challenges. The New York Times, Feb. 3. (🔒Subscription may be required.)

Great Jobs for Retirees: Your career job is ending. It’s time to consider how to earn extra cash in retirement working at something you’ve always wanted to do. Kiplinger, Feb. 2.

Dating Again? Nine Rules for Older Singles: Don't be afraid of dating when you're older. But do be careful. We have some dos and don't for senior daters. Kiplinger, Jan. 29.

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