How Much Retirement Income Will You Have?

If you are getting close to retirement, have you taken the time to estimate how much retirement income you will have?  Will it be enough to maintain your lifestyle?  Will you be able to live where you want?  Travel?  Take care of medical expenses?

The truth is that the vast majority of retirees will barely have enough money to take care of their basic needs.  Of course, there are steps you can take to improve the quality of your retirement, but first you need to know how much retirement income you will have.  Once you have figured that out, then you can decide how to fix any shortfalls.

Estimating Your Social Security Income

According to the Social Security Administration, at the beginning of 2016, the average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker was $1,346.  The average Social Security for the spouse of a retired worker was $697. This would mean that the average couple living off their Social Security benefits alone would receive $2,043 a month or $24,516 a year. Many people receive less than this average amount. In 2017, the cost-of-living raise is expected to be about 0.3 percent ... or about $4 for a retired worked and $2 for their dependent spouse. 

The amount of benefits increases slightly each year and varies depending on the individual.  However, most people find it is significantly less than they have earned during their working years.

If you have had a high income, earning over $118,000 a year or nearly that amount for the decade before you retire, then the maximum amount you could receive in Social Security benefits if you retire at your full retirement age of 66 or 67 in 2016 would be $2,639.   If your dependent spouse also waited until their full retirement age to collect based on your benefits, they could receive half that, or $1,320.  This means that a high earning couple with one spouse paying the maximum into Social Security could have $3,959 a month or $47,508 a year in retirement income.  While this is far better than the couple receiving only the average amount of Social Security benefits, it would still be substantially less than the $118,000 a year this couple was accustomed to have for their living expenses.

For each year between ages 67 and 70 that the breadwinner postponed their retirement, the amount of their benefits would increase by 8 percent ... for a maximum of a 24 percent increase.  This would bring the total benefits for a couple up to $59,385.  This is a nice increase, but the breadwinner would have to work several more years to receive this amount, and it would still only be about one-half of their pre-retirement income.  The reality is that only about 1 percent of retirees wait until the breadwinner is 70 years old before they begin to collect their Social Security benefits.

Unfortunately, most people do not come anywhere near receiving the maximum amount of retirement income from Social Security.  Approximately 48 percent of women and 42 percent of men begin to collect their benefits at age 62, which means they receive about 25 to 30 percent less than they would if they had waited until age 66 or 67 ... or approximately $1,500 a month for the average couple ($18,000 a year) and only $3,000 a month ($36,000 a year) or less for a high earning couple.

If this is not enough money for you and your spouse to live on, then you will have to supplement your Social Security benefits with your savings or by continuing to work well into your senior years.

Calculating Your Possible Income from Money You Have Saved

According to the Vanguard Funds report "How America Saves 2016,"  the average retirement account balance for people between the ages of 55 and 64 is $177,805.  For younger adults, the average retirement account is much smaller.

Investment advisors recommend that people who want to make sure that their retirement funds last the remainder of their lives start out by withdrawing no more than 3 to 4 percent a year from their account, with modest adjustments as the years go by, depending on how much their balance increases in value in the future.  This means that a couple with the average balance in their retirement account of $177,805 who decides on a modest 3.5 percent withdrawal rate would have an income of $6,223 a year or an extra $518 a month that they could use to supplement their Social Security benefits.

The actual income from retirement savings will vary depending on how successful you have been at saving money in the years prior to retirement.

How Much Total Retirement Income Will You Have?

Based on the numbers above, an average American couple who has managed to save the average amount of money will have a retirement income of approximately $30,739 a year from the combination of Social Security and withdrawals from their savings.

A high earning couple who has saved the same amount of money will have a total retirement income of approximately $53,731 a year if they wait until the breadwinner's full retirement age of 66 or 67 to begin collecting Social Security.  If they wait until the breadwinner is 70 years old, they can add another $11,000 to that amount.

Of course, single individuals will only have their own Social Security benefits or those of their former spouse, if they are a widow or widower.  Consequently, the retirement income of single people will be significantly less than that of a couple, although their expenses will also be less.

What if This is Not Enough Retirement Income?

If you have done the calculations and are starting to realize that your retirement income will not be adequate to live on when you retire, you should start making adjustments early.  Some of the things you can do are:

Cut your expenses by reducing your lifestyle now, including downsizing to a smaller home.

Pay off your home, car and other debts prior to retirement.

Save as much money as possible to increase your retirement income.

Postpone retirement until the breadwinner is 70 and the spouse is at their full retirement age of 66 or 67.

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning, where to retire, common medical issues, Social Security, Medicare and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Top Over-55 Communities in U.S.

Although many people decide to stay in their current homes when they retire, others choose to move into private, age-restricted retirement communities.  These over-55 communities, which now exist throughout the United States, must comply with federal guidelines and may have additional special requirements of their own.  For many retirees and those who are nearing retirement age, life in an over-55 community can seem like a dream come true.  Some people even describe them as "summer camps for adults."

What to Expect in an Over-55 Community

The amenities in over-55 communities vary, depending on the location.  They nearly all have swimming pools, exercise facilities, meeting rooms and art studios.  Many of them have golf courses and tennis courts.  Some have more unique facilities such as fishing lakes, hiking trails, garden centers or equestrian facilities.

Over-55 communities are NOT skilled nursing or assisted living facilities.  The people who live in these communities are able to live independently.  The properties may consist of single-family homes, attached homes, townhouses, condominiums, apartments or a combination.  No matter how the housing is designed, the communities are full of people who want to remain active and involved in a variety of physical, social, artistic and intellectual activities for as long as possible ... years before they are ready for assisted living.

Some people are able to remain in their over-55 communities well into their 90's, especially if they avail themselves of private or community help in the form of caregivers, meals-on-wheels, taxi vouchers and other assistance that makes it possible for them to remain in their private homes.

However, not everyone in an an over-55 community is elderly.  Only one person in the home needs to actually be age 55 or older.  Their spouse can be any age, so it is not unusual to see a wide range of adults living in these communities.  Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to live in the home permanently, although they can enjoy visiting their grandparents, even for a few weeks, in most cases.

Which Over-55 Communities are Ranked the Highest?

The list below shows the top choices from the website 55Places.com.  All of the communities listed below are well worth checking out. Of course, everyone should thoroughly investigate any community before moving there.

Even if a community is not listed below, but it is in a town where you would like to live, you should look it up online and personally visit it.  New communities are being built continually and many established ones are very nice, even if they did not make it onto the "top" community lists.


Recent Recommendations by 55Places.com

The Villages - The Villages, FL
Sun City Hilton Head - Bluffton, SC
On Top of the World - Ocala, FL
Sun City Summerlin - Las Vegas, NV
Solivita - Kissimmee, FL
Sun City Carolina Lakes - Ft. Mill, SC
Sun City Huntley - Huntley, IL
Sun City Texas - Georgetown, TX
Laguna Woods Village - Laguna Woods, CA
Sun City Center - Sun City Center, FL

You'll notice that the communities mentioned above include locations in Florida, South Carolina, Illinois, Nevada, Texas and California ... giving retirees options from coast-to-coast.  The communities have also been built by a variety of developers.


Websites to Help You Learn More About Over-55 Communities

There are several websites that list the over-55 communities in every state.  People who are looking for a community will want to read the reviews on these websites, look up the community's website and do additional research, including paying a visit to the locations they are considering.  They will also want to compare several communities that interest them.  Lower in this article you will find a list of questions you should ask.

In addition, it is important to do a Google search on the community to see if people have posted anything negative online about it.  Nearly every community will have some detractors.  However, it is smart to know the potential problems before you fall in love with a location and then discover that it is in a part of Florida where sinkholes are common or in a part of Arizona where water shortages are becoming an issue.

The websites below will help you find a variety of over-55 communities in the states that interest you:

http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com/
https://www.55places.com/
http://www.retirenet.com/top100/
http://www.privatecommunities.com/private-active-adult-communities.htm
http://www.boomerplaces.com/live/

What to Know When Considering an Over-55 Community

When investigating different retirement communities, you may discover that some locations mentioned on the sites above are not actually age-restricted communities.  Make sure you understand whether you are reading about an actual over-55 community or simply a subdivision that is open to anyone, but is especially popular with retirees. 

Occasionally, you may see lists that recommend small towns and neighborhoods that are very appealing to retirees.  Frequently, these neighborhoods have a large number of retired residents, but they also have residents in all age groups.  It is important to know whether or not the community you are looking at is age-restricted.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but there are differences in what you can expect in the form of amenities in each kind of neighborhood.  You want to know what to expect, especially if you are traveling a large distance to visit the location.

Questions to Ask When Visiting an Over-55 Community

Another issue you need to consider are the size of the homeowner's dues and which amenities are included or discounted for residents.  For example, if you are comparing two communities and you like to play golf, you will want to know if the cost of playing golf is included as part of your homeowner's dues in the communities that interest you.  If not, are the golf course fees discounted?

What about other activities such as exercise or art classes?  Are they free or low cost?   You will also want to know which home maintenance costs are covered ... exterior painting, grass mowing, and similar services, for example. Prospective residents need to look at the total cost of living in their new community in order to fairly compare them and so they can be sure they will be able to afford to live there for the rest of their lives.  Some newer Sun Belt communities even include solar panels in the purchase price.  That can save the buyer a substantial amount of money each month, especially in hot climates.

You will also want to consider the amenities that are available nearby, but outside the community.  Is there a college in the area that offers interesting, low-cost classes for senior citizens?  If your new community does not have a golf course of its own, are there affordable ones within a short drive?  Are there a variety of restaurants?  Are there stores or a mall within a reasonable distance?  How far will you need to drive to buy groceries?  Is there bus or taxi service available, should it become difficult for you to drive?  How far away is the nearest hospital?  Will you be able to find the types of entertainment that you enjoy ... movie theaters, live theater, sports venues, museums, etc.?

You will also want to know if there are any special rules for residents, such as financial requirements, or restrictions on visits by grandchildren.

Once you have considered all the above items, you should be able to narrow down the choices and find the best over-55 community for you!

If you are interested in more information about where to retire, financial planning, common medical issues, Social Security, Medicare and other common retirement issues, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Photo credit:  Photo of Laguna Woods Village golf course taken by author, Deborah Dian

Social Security at Age 70 Maximizes Future Income

We have all been told by financial and retirement planners that the best way to maximize the size of our Social Security benefits is to wait until age 70 to begin collecting.  However, according to research completed by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, only one percent of retirees who are currently receiving Social Security waited until they were 70 years old before they claimed their benefits.  The median age to claim was 62, which is also the earliest most people can claim, meaning that the vast majority of senior citizens are willing to take reduced benefits rather than wait eight years in order to receive substantially more money.

Why Don't People Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security?

If people can receive more money by waiting to receive their benefits, why don't they?

1.  Most Americans cannot afford to wait. As soon as they decide to stop working, they must begin to collect their benefits because they don't have enough assets to support themselves.  The median household between the ages of 60 and 64 has approximately $202,000 saved for retirement.  At a 4 percent withdrawal rate, that is only $8,000 income a year, which is not enough income to live on.

2.  In addition, 60 percent of retirees stop working sooner than they planned ... which means they need to start taking their benefits earlier than anticipated.  Of that 60 percent, about two-thirds stop working because they lost their job; a little over one-quarter of them retired because of health problems.

3.  Some Americans have been misled to believe that Social Security will soon run out of money, so they rush into claiming their benefits as soon as possible.

4.  A few people nearing retirement believe they can successfully invest their Social Security benefits while they are still working, doing even better than the increased earnings they will receive by waiting.  While a small number may be successful, most of these people will find that their guaranteed increase in benefits is more reliable than their ability to invest the money wisely despite the ups and downs in the market.

When Should You Take Social Security Benefits Early?

Yes, there are times when the smart move could be to take your Social Security benefits as early as possible.

1.  If you have no other way to support yourself because you have lost your job in your 60's or you have developed a major health problem, then your only alternative will be to claim your Social Security ... and be thankful it is available.

2.  You may also wish to collect early if you develop a life-shortening terminal illness.  The average man at age 65 can expect to live until age 84.3; the average woman should live until age 86.6.  If your life expectancy has been significantly reduced because you are on kidney dialysis or have a cancer that has metastasized, for example, then you may have good reason to take your benefits early.

Spousal Benefits Can Complicate the Decision

Even if you fall into one of the categories that would justify taking your Social Security benefits early, there is one reason why you may decide to postpone collecting as long as possible ... the effect your decision will have on your spouse.

For example, if you could receive $3,000 a month at age 70, your spouse would also be entitled to $1,500 a month at their full retirement age of 66 or 67.  If you die after age 70, your spouse would then get their benefits bumped up to what you have been receiving.  On the other hand, if you collect in your early 60's and only receive around $2,000 a month, everything will be proportionally reduced for your spouse, as well.  If you want to be sure your spouse will have enough money to live on after you are gone, you may want to postpone collecting as long as possible.

Does It Make a Difference in Your Total Lifetime Earnings?

While your monthly benefits are higher the longer you wait, will it really make a difference to your lifetime earnings?  The Social Security Administration uses actuarial tables to estimate how much more people can receive the longer they wait.  While, of course, individual results will differ depending on their actual lifespan, the Social Security Administration say, "As a general rule, early or late retirement will give you about the same total Social Security benefits over your lifetime."

Of course, that applies to those people who live an "average" length of time!

If you are interested in learning more about Social Security, Medicare, financial planning, where to retire, common health problems or other issues related to retirement, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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The Retirement Income Red Zone Danger

If you have put together a sizeable portfolio prior to retirement, knowing how to protect those assets during your first five years after retirement will be extremely important, especially if you want to be sure they will last the remainder of your life.  These first five years after retirement are sometimes referred to as the red zone ... the time when decisions you make can have the biggest impact on your future.

What Bad Decisions Do People Make in Early Retirement?

When people first retire, they often have a number of of pent-up dreams they wish to fulfill.  They still feel healthy and they may want to move somewhere new, travel, buy a boat or RV, and have a little fun.  After all, they have waited and saved their entire lives for this moment and they want to enjoy it before age and illness slows them down.

Next, retirees often stop saving and putting aside money for the future.  As they pull money from the principal without replacing it, retirees gradually see their assets become depleted.

In addition, retirees sometimes do not prepare adequately for rising expenses or problems that could come up in the future, including extra medical expenses such as health insurance deductibles, expensive treatments, long-term care, etc. They also sometimes fail to prepare for things like replacing their car, hot water heater, furnace or other expensive items.

Even if new retirees do not make any of the above mistakes during their first five years after retirement, their assets could become depleted because of poor investment decisions.

Should You Invest for Growth or Safety?

Investment advisors recommend that your retirement assets should be invested for both growth and safety ... but what is the correct balance?  According to an article by CNBC writer, Kelley Holland, "Five Crucial Retirement Years For Your Money," it is extremely important that you do not have negative investment returns during your first five years of retirement.  When experts from Prudential Insurance examined two hypothetical $1 million portfolios, Portfolio A had negative returns for 4 of the first 5 years, but positive returns for all of the remaining years of its existence.  Portfolio B had all positive returns in the first 5 years, but had negative returns in 4 of 5 years between years 25 and 30.

What were the results?  Portfolio A had dropped to zero within 15 years.  Portfolio B had doubled in value by the end of 30 years, despite the negative returns at the end.

What Should an Investor Do?

After examining the results of these two hypothetical portfolios, experts believe it is important that investors manage their money conservatively early in retirement so their portfolio continues to grow in value, even modestly, during this crucial period.  In order to do this, it would be a mistake for retirees to make risky investments or begin depleting their principal for trips or other large purchases.

Retirees need to work with their investment advisor to make sure their money is wisely invested.  Holland recommends that no more than 40 to 60 percent of a retirement portfolio should be in stocks (and, obviously, these should be Blue Chip stocks, not high-risk ones).

As retirees begin to live off their assets, their withdrawals should be modest and their asset allocation should be conservative, particularly during the first five years.  In other posts on this blog, we have reported that most investment advisors suggest that no more than 3 percent of assets should be withdrawn for living expenses during retirement, with tiny increases in the withdrawal rate as the years go by.  If the principal balance is invested conservatively, the assets of most people should last well over 30 years.

Some investment advisors also recommend that any income from the assets that is in excess of what is needed for living expenses should then be invested in stocks which, hopefully, will appreciate and provide an extra cushion for the future. This extra cushion will be especially helpful if there is a stock downturn in the future ... which is almost certain to happen every few years.

In the end, this plan is the one that is most likely to leave you with enough assets to last the remainder of your life.

If you are interested in reading more tips about handling your retirement income, where to retire, common medical problems, Medicare, Social Security and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Benefits of Senior Roommates

A significant percentage of senior citizens will spend at least part of their lives living alone.  When this happens, they may suffer from loneliness and depression.  In addition, it can be expensive for one person to afford to pay all the bills.  Because of this, senior roommates are becoming a popular trend.

According to an article in the "Answers" book for the Orange County, California Council on Aging, four million American women now live in households with at least two women over the age of 50.

Why Women are Alone as They Age

More than one-third of women over the age of 65 now live alone.  The reasons for this could be the death of a spouse, divorce, or the fact that they never married.

On average, women live about five years longer than men.  In addition, women often marry men who are older than they are ... which means that some women may live a decade or longer after their husbands die.

Another issue is that there has been a huge increase in gray divorce.  Since 1990, the divorce rate for people over the age of 50 has doubled, according to the National Center for Family and Marriage Research.

Advantages of Senior Roommates

When women decide to enter a house sharing arrangement, they can both benefit in several ways.

*  Financially, people supporting themselves on fixed incomes can live more comfortably if they share the cost of housing, utilities and other expenses.

*  The added security of having another person in the home can be one more advantage of having a roommate.

*  Socialization is an additional reason for finding a roommate.  It is easy for people to become isolated, lonely and depressed as they age.  People who live with an amicable friend will always have someone to talk to, eat with, and sometimes they will do other things together ... such as attending movies or traveling.

Is Having a Roommate Right for You?

Not everyone actually wants to have a roommate close to them all the time.  You need to know yourself, and evaluate the home you will be sharing.  Will you have enough personal, private space?  Are you flexible?  Do you have a lot of allergies, health problems or food preferences which could make it difficult for you to live with other people?

What Guidelines Need to be Put in Writing?

If you are planning to live with another person, it may go better if the two of you put your expectations in writing and discuss them first.  Below are some issues your agreement may need to cover:

*  Decide in advance specifically how the expenses will be shared.  Will one person be the landlord and the other the tenant, or will everything be split right down the middle?
*  Decide who will perform which household tasks and how often ... cleaning, cooking, dishes, yardwork, etc.
*  Decide if the two of you are going to cook and eat together or if you will each be responsible for your own meals.
*  Reach an agreement about pets ... if they are allowed, what kind, how large, where they will be kept, etc.
*  Discuss grandchildren with each other.  Will they be allowed to spend the night, how often, where they will sleep, etc.
*  Discuss other relatives, such as adult children, and whether they will be allowed to spend the night.
*  Discuss dating and whether your dates will be allowed to spend the night.
*  Discuss personal habits such as smoking and drinking.
*  If either of you have strong religious or political opinions that could be the source of arguments, you should consider that before making a decision about whether or not you want to live with this person.
*  Discuss other expectations such as entertaining friends, relying on each other to do the shopping, what time the house should be quiet, using earphones to watch TV, when you could each practice playing your musical instruments, etc.
*  Discuss healthcare preferences with each other, in the event of a medical emergency.  Also make sure you both have contact information for relatives, employers, lawyers or other people who would need to be contacted in the event of death or serious illness.

As you can see, there are a large number of issues to consider before you decide if you and your roommate will be compatible.  Everything should be put in writing after you have talked about it.  This will reduce confusion about what you both agreed to.

How to Find a Roommate

In many cases, you may already know someone who is looking for a roommate because they recently lost a spouse or experienced a financial setback.  However, before bringing up the topic with them, ask yourself how well you think you will get along with that person.  Do they have personal habits that you find irritating?  Even someone who talks too much or too loudly can become irritating after a while.

If you are thinking about getting a senior roommate, you can visit the National Shared Housing website for additional help.

If you need other ideas about where to retire, common medical issues, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare or other retirement issues, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Credit Scores and Retirement

Once you retire, your credit score will still be important.  Even if your mortgage is paid off and you have no plans to borrow money ever again, you will still want to carefully monitor your credit rating and make sure there are no issues with it.

When the credit-reporting company, TransUnion, polled a group of Baby Boomers, nearly half of them said that their credit rating would no longer be important after they retired.  This misconception, however, could cause them to have unexpected problems later in life.

Your Credit Rating Could Drop During Retirement

Even though your credit rating will continue to be important when you retire, the truth is that the score normally declines for most people as they get older ... even if they have an excellent credit history and solid assets.

Why will your credit rating go down? 

Below are some common reasons:

If you are like most people, you will use less credit as you age.

Using your debit card to immediately pay cash for purchases does not help you maintain your credit score.

As you pay off your house, car, credit cards and other debts, your credit report and activity become "thin" and could virtually disappear.

Why is a Low Credit Rating a Problem in Retirement?

Today, many people are living 20 years or more after they retire.  While you may think you will never again make a large purchase during the remainder of your life, eventually you may want to downsize to a smaller home, purchase a new car or have other credit needs.

Lenders will look at your credit score if you decide to get a mortgage on a new home, take out an auto loan, apply for a new credit card, or co-sign for a student loan for one of your children or grandchildren.  If you decide to rent an apartment in a retirement community or other location, the management company and the utility companies will want to see your credit score.  In addition, your auto and homeowners insurance premiums will be higher if you have a low credit score.

How Can You Improve Your Credit Score Without Adding Debt?

The last thing you want to do in order to maintain a high credit score is take on new debt.  However, experts recommend some actions that will improve your credit score ... and they don't involve adding debt.

* Every couple of years, ask your credit card issuers to raise your limits by $500 to $1000.  Whenever you have a high limit, but a low balance, your credit score gets a boost.

*  Do not close old accounts, even if you rarely use them, for the same reasons mentioned above.  It is better to have lots of available credit, but a low balance.

*  Keep your main credit cards active by occasionally making a modest purchase using one and paying off the balance quickly.

*  Be careful to make all your payments on time.  If you travel, set up auto payments with your bank so that none of your payments are ever late.

*  If you have let your credit completely lapse and you don't have any credit cards, you may need to rebuild your credit history.  To do that, you may have to start with a secured card from your bank.

*  Check your credit report regularly to be sure there are no errors on it that could drag down your credit rating.  You can get a free copy of your report every year from each of the three major credit-reporting companies.  You can contact them individually or you can go to annualcreditreport.com.  You can also sign up on the free site CreditKarma.com to find out your current credit rating, get suggestions on how to raise it, and see your credit reports.

Take the above steps, protect your credit, and monitor your credit reports regularly.  Just because you are retired, you should not forget these simple precautions.

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, common medical issues, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare or more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Dangerous Medications, Vitamins and Herbal Remedies

Virtually everyone in the United States uses either prescription medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies.  In the right doses and combinations, most of them are safe.  However, your prescriptions and supplements can turn against you.  In extreme circumstances, they can cause you to develop new health problems or dangerous drug interactions.

According to an article in the August/September 2016 AARP Magazine, you should periodically have a "Checkup for Your Medicine Cabinet."  You should repeat it annually to make sure the pills you are taking are helping you, not making your health problems worse.

Examine Your Prescription Medications

Check Expiration Dates:  While you do not want to keep any drug after its expiration date, according to the article, you want to be particularly careful about insulin, inhalers, oral nitroglycerin, EpiPens, anti-convulsants, warfarin, digoxin and thyroid medication.  If the drug is in its original packaging, the expiration date should be stamped on the side or bottom.  Otherwise, you may have to ask your pharmacist or follow their recommended "discard by" date.

Avoid Allergy and Sleeping Pills:  There appears to be a link between the long-term use of allergy or sleeping medications and problems with decision-making and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.  Even common over-the-counter products such as Benadryl and Nytol can cause problems. Find alternative, drug-free ways of dealing with your allergies or insomnia.

Do Not Overdo the Vitamins

Millions of Americans take vitamins.  However, excessive amounts of certain vitamins can cause health issues, rather than eliminate them.  Below are four vitamins that the article particularly recommended people limit:

Vitamin B6 - Over 100 mg. a day can cause temporary nerve damage.

Vitamin A - Over 10,000 IUs a day can cause vomiting, headaches, dizziness and blurry vision.

Vitamin D - Over 10,000 IUs a day can cause poor appetite, frequent urination and kidney problems.

Vitamin C - High doses (which were not specified in the article) can double a man's risk of kidney stones.

Watch for Interactions between Herbal Remedies and Certain Drugs

In an effort to avoid taking too many prescription drugs, Americans often resort to herbal remedies.  However, these preparations can be dangerous, especially when combined with medications that have been prescribed to you.  Make sure your doctor knows what herbal remedies you use.  Below are some that are particularly worrisome:

St. John's wort - It can interfere with your statins and high blood pressure medications.

Ginkgo and ginseng - These herbs can interact with blood-thinning medications, which could dangerously increase your bleeding risk.

Kava - Even when it is not combined with other medications, this herb can cause liver damage.

Bottom Line:  Any time you add a new medication or supplement to your usual routine, discuss it with your doctor to make sure it will not conflict with something else you are already taking.  Regardless of whether or not you have been taking the same drugs and supplements for a long time, check with your doctor if any new symptoms develop.  Sometimes it can take a long time for the toxicity to build up in your body.

If you are interested in learning more about retirement planning, common health problems as you age, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Dangerous Silent Heart Attacks

A study that tracked nearly 9,500 men and women from 1987 to 2013 discovered that approximately 45% of heart attacks are silent and the victims have no idea that they have experienced a heart event.  Men are more likely to experience silent heart attacks, but women are more likely to die from them.  In fact, anyone who has experienced a silent heart attack has triple the risk of dying from heart disease and is 34% more likely to die from all other causes.

How Do You Know if You Have Had a Silent Heart Attack?

Since these types of heart attacks do not exhibit the classic symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath, how can someone find out whether or not they have had one?  A doctor can detect them with an EKG, which measures the heart's electrical activity.  In fact, most of the time people only learn that they have had one accidentally, during a routine physical.

What Symptoms Could Indicate You are Having a Silent Heart Attack?

The symptoms of a silent heart attack can be very subtle, but anyone should see their doctor for a physical if they are experiencing several of the following symptoms:

Unexplained fatigue
Muscle pain in the upper back, jaw or arms
Painful indigestion
Sudden sweatiness
Nausea
Flu-like symptoms

Often, people do not recognize that they have had a heart attack at the time.  They only recognize these symptoms when a test shows damage to their heart and they look back and remember a time when they experienced some of the above symptoms.

Are These as Dangerous as "Typical" Heart Attacks?

Yes!  In fact, silent heart attacks can be even more dangerous than a typical one, because the patient may not get the treatment they need in order to prevent another one.  This lack of treatment is even more common for women than it is for men.

"Just a Little Heart Attack" is a short movie about silent heart attacks you can watch using the link to this CNN article:  "Almost Half of All Heart Attacks are Silent."

How Can You Reduce Your Heart Attack Risk?

If you would like to reduce your risk of having a heart attack, either your first or a second one, there are some steps your doctor can help you take.  You should quit smoking, lose weight, get exercise and, if appropriate, make sure your cholesterol and blood pressure are both under control.

Treatments for Silent Heart Attacks

Hospitals and doctors should treat you in the same way they would if you had experienced more traditional symptoms.  There is no difference in the damage that could have been caused by the different types of heart attacks and, in fact, the damage could be more severe in a silent one because of a delay in seeking treatment, since any heart attack will stop or reduce the flow of blood to the heart for a period of time.

If you have been experiencing unusual fatigue, nausea or shortness of breath, especially during mild exercise, you should talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

Interested in learning more about medical issues, financial planning, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, or other topics that pertain to Baby Boomers?  Use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Will You Enjoy Retirement?

If you spent the last decade of your working years looking forward to the day when you could "take this job and shove it," have you given much thought to how you will spend your days once you walk out of your office or workplace for the last time?

According to research by the National Center for Health Statistics, the average person who reaches age 65 can expect to live another 19.3 years ... or until they are age 84.  What do you plan to do with those extra two decades of life?  Have you given that serious thought?

Will Retirement Be Fun?

Many people imagine spending long days on the golf course, in their fishing boat, or taking cruises and vacations to exotic locations.  However, is that really what you want to do every day for the last twenty years of your life?  Will you even be able to afford that daily round of golf, the fishing boat, or the travel?

According to U.S. News & World Report, the typical retiree between the ages of 65 and 74 spends four hours a day watching television ... and that is the age group of the youngest retirees, the ones who are most capable of being active.

Is it inevitable that your retirement will eventually leave you feeling isolated, bored, and lonely?  Not necessarily.

What Retirement Options Will Keep Your Life Interesting?

In addition to financial planning, people who are preparing to retire, or who are newly retired, should spend plenty of time thinking about the lifestyle choices they can make as they approach their mid-60's.  Below are some options they may want to keep on the table:

*  Keep working at their current career - What?  After all these years of planning to retire, why would you want to keep working?  Presumably, you have earned a nice income from your job in the past and now you will be able to supplement that income with your Social Security benefits ... which will give you extra money for travel and having fun.  You might also decide to postpone collecting your Social Security until you are age 70, thus substantially increasing your benefits.  Staying at your current job also enables you to maintain your work friendships and connections with other people.  It can give structure to your life and keep your brain alert ... without resorting to endless crossword puzzles.

*  Find an Encore Career - What if there is no way you want to keep working in your old career?  That doesn't mean you need to give up working altogether and just sit home every day.  There are so many possible career choices.  You could find a job with a local business or non-profit, work as a consultant in your former field, become a tutor, or give lessons.  Retirees are even eligible to sign up for the Peace Corps and share their valuable knowledge and experience around the world.  Yes, many people in the 60's (and sometimes a little older) join the Peace Corps.

*  Volunteer in your community - If you really don't need extra income, you still do not want to spend your days sitting around the house, watching television.  Why not contact your local hospital or charity and see if they need your help?  I know a woman who helps out one day a week in a local hospital. She particularly enjoys caring for premature babies that just need extra time being held.  The work is not physically demanding, but she feels it is very rewarding.

*  Find affordable, social hobbies - Everything you do in retirement does not need to be expensive.  Nor do you need to spend time alone when you are pursuing your hobbies.  Join a book club or other activity that you can enjoy with other people.  If you don't know how to find other people who enjoy your hobbies, try www.meetup.com.  This website helps you link up with people in your community who are looking for people with common interests ... whether that means hiking, traveling, tai chi, golf, playing games, learning bridge, dancing, tennis, photography, dog walking, writing, painting, yoga, attending movies, boating, playing music, cycling or eating out. Many places of worship also have special activities for their older members.  Go to your local senior center to find exercise classes, low-cost meals and a wide variety of activities.  There is no reason to pursue your favorite activities in solitude when it is so easy to connect with other people who enjoy doing the same things you do.

Plan Your Life After Retirement

Financial planning is a very important part of getting ready for retirement.  However, it is equally important to plan what you will do with that free time ... and hopefully that will not mean just sitting around for the last twenty years of your life.

Plan to have a satisfying and fulfilling life during this period of time.  Think about how you could enrich your life while sharing your gifts with others.

I know people who are as busy or even busier in retirement than they were when they had full-time jobs during their "working years."  What is most interesting is that those are the people who seem to be the happiest as they age!

Are you looking for more information about retirement planning, where to retire, common medical issues, Social Security, Medicare and changing family relationships?  Use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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Confusing Parts of Medicare

Are you confused about all the different parts of Medicare ... the so-called Medicare "alphabet?"  If so, you are not alone. Whether people are getting prepared to sign up for Medicare for the first time or are already using it, the different parts can seem like a foreign language.  Below is a brief summary of the different parts, as well as a little basic information that everyone needs to know. 

Medicare Parts A, B and D

Medicare is broken up into four different parts and each one has a different purpose and, in some cases, different requirements that determine whether or not you are eligible.

Medicare Part A:  This section will help pay for your stay in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. It might also pay for home health services and hospice care, if the patient meets certain criteria.  If you or your spouse paid into Medicare long enough during your working years, you do not pay monthly premiums for Part A.  If neither you nor your spouse paid into it while you worked, you can still buy Part A services by paying monthly premiums.  Everyone is entitled to Medicare Part A, either free or for a monthly fee.

Medicare Part B:  This section will help pay for doctors' services (whether in or out of the hospital) and outpatient care, including lab work, tests and health screenings.  It can also cover the cost of some types of medical equipment and supplies, under some circumstances, as well as most vaccines or drugs that the doctor gives you in his office.  You do pay monthly payments for Part B.  However, low-income people may quality for state assistance.  There is a seven month window to sign up for Part B ... three months before your 65th birthday month, during your birthday month, and three months after your birthday month.  If you wait too long to sign up, you can still obtain it, but you will pay extra premiums for the rest of your life.  Medicare Part B only covers about 80 percent of their approved costs and the patient pays the other 20 percent.  At the bottom of this article is more information on the two options you have for covering your portion of the bills.

Medicare Part D:  This section covers the cost of prescription drugs that you take at home.  There is an additional premium involved in getting a Part D drug plan, unless you purchase it as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Medicare Supplements and Medicare Part C

Medicare parts A, B and D are frequently called "basic Medicare."  People often believe they are all you need.  However, sometimes they do not realize they need to sign up for Part D to cover their drugs.  In other cases, people do not realize that when they settle for basic Medicare alone, they are still obligated to pay 20 percent of their medical bills ... which can be substantial.

What do people do to solve these problems?  They have two choices.  First, they can get the three parts of basic Medicare (A, B and D) PLUS purchase a supplemental health insurance policy.  Second, they can simply get a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Medicare Part C, PLUS a Part D plan if the Medicare Advantage plan they choose does not include drug coverage.  Confusing enough?  Below is a little more information.

Supplemental Insurance:  Many insurance carriers offer supplemental policies, sometimes called Medigap policies, including Anthem, Humana and United Healthcare.  There are different rates, depending on the size of the deductibles and co-pays you prefer. The government even has a website to help you compare Medigap policies.  If you decide to get a Medigap supplemental policy, do it as soon as you sign up for Medicare Part B.  If you buy one within six months of enrolling in Part B, the insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums because of preexisting medical conditions.  With supplemental insurance, your doctor or hospital will send medical bills to Medicare first.  Once Medicare reimburses the doctor or hospital, next they bill the supplemental insurance carrier.  After that, they will bill you for any remaining costs.  This system sometimes confuses people, because they keep getting statements from the hospital, doctor and the insurance companies for the same procedure.  Sometimes they think they are being double-billed.

Medicare Advantage or Part C:  This is a completely alternative way to receive your Medicare services.  Everything is administered by one private managed care plan.  There are both HMO and PPO options.  These plans are required to cover everything that is offered in basic Medicare, but they may charge lower co-pays and/or offer additional benefits.  Some of the companies that offer these plans are Kaiser Permanente and Scan. The government also has a website to help you learn more about Advantage plans. The plan you buy may also include Part D drug coverage, or the company could offer you a choice of drug plans at a separate price.  Often they offer extra benefits such as dental, vision and hearing care.  In some cases, there are NO premiums, other than what you would pay for basic Medicare.  With other plans, you may have an additional premium.  They may restrict your choice of doctors to only ones who are in their network, or they may charge a higher copay if you go out of network.  Only one company is billed, the Medicare Advantage company, which is less confusing for some people, since they only receive one set of statements and bills for each procedure.

The Medicare Advantage choice is often the least expensive, since there is frequently no premium or only a small premium above the cost of basic Medicare.  However, it is always beneficial to shop around to make sure that you are getting the most for your money, from a reputable insurance company.  Make sure you are aware of all the major choices available in your state.

Summing Up Medicare

To bring it all together, it is important that everyone contact their local Social Security office as soon as possible when they get close to age 65.  In addition, most people will want to attend informational meetings and get more details about the insurance options for both Medicare Supplemental Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans in their state.  Don't make a decision until you have met with two or three different companies and learned about all your choices.

If you start with a company and realize that you wish you had chosen a different company or type of plan, you are not stuck with your first choice.  There is an open enrollment period every year between October 15 and December 7.  During that time, you are free to move to a different plan.

You May Also Want to Find Out About Common Medicare Mistakes

In addition to knowing the various parts of Medicare, you may also want to read the blog post linked below.  It explains the most common Medicare mistakes made by people approaching retirement:

COMMON MEDICARE MISTAKES  

Looking for more information about Medicare, retirement planning, where to retire, common health problems as we age or more?  Use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Healthcare Advocates for the Seriously Ill

Life can get complicated at times and illnesses late in life can be especially difficult to handle.  Sometimes, a healthcare advocate can help patients get things sorted out and improve the quality of their lives.

An elderly couple we know have suddenly and unexpectedly gone through dual health problems at nearly the same time.  The wife injured her arm, making it difficult for her to lift or carry things.  Her husband developed multiple myeloma, causing cancerous tumors along his spine.  He cannot walk without a cane or other assistance.  She cannot help him.  They both are in physical therapy.  His chemotherapy includes numerous pills a day.  Their children do not live close enough to help with all the details of life ... handling doctor's visits, insurance forms, bills, etc.  Overwhelmed, their children hired a healthcare advocate to make certain the parents are getting the help they need.

The healthcare advocate will not carry the laundry for the wife; nor will the advocate help the man walk.  Her job is to help them hire a caregiver, go to doctor's appointments with them, get answers to their questions about treatment, make sure they are getting the attention and care they need and, at the same time, help them with insurance forms and other paperwork.

What Does a Healthcare Advocate Do?

Below is a list of the duties of a healthcare advocate. Most people will not need all of these services. However, it can be beneficial to have someone capable of handling these issues for you when you or a close family member is seriously ill:

•  Are you confused about choosing a new doctor or specialist? The healthcare advocate can provide you with a physician referral service.
•  Frustrated with your insurance company?  They will handle insurance disputes for you (fight for your payment, and handle insurance appeals & grievances).
•  Are your doctor and hospital bills too complicated to understand?  They will perform medical bill audits and dispute any questionable fees.
•  Are you paying a reasonable fee for your procedures?  Many of them will have a cost navigator that is designed to help you find lower cost procedures, when appropriate.
•  Are you getting the best deal for your prescriptions?  They will help you compare prices.
•  Are there alternative treatments or drug trials that may help you?  A healthcare advocate will assist you in finding treatments that could benefit you.
•  Do you have the best health insurance plan for your medical issues?  Your healthcare advocate will review your current insurance plan and help you decide if you would be better off with a different one.  Then, they will assist you in making the change, during the appropriate enrollment period.
•  Are you using the best prescription, dental and vision plans?  They will help you compare your choices and pick the appropriate one.
•  What if you need to go into a nursing home or assisted living facility, either for a short time while being treated, or permanently?  They will help you find one that will meet your needs both medically and financially.  They can help you apply for programs such as long-term care using Medicaid or VA benefits, if you qualify.
•  What if you are able to live at home during your treatment and recuperation, but only with the services of a home care aide?  Your healthcare advocate can help you hire one.  They can also coordinate visits with physical therapists, occupational therapists and other healthcare providers who may come to your home.
•  Do you feel as if you have a million forms to complete, and you feel too ill to deal with them?  The healthcare advocate can consolidate some of them and complete many parts of them for you ... especially the parts that are repetitive.
•  What if your physician tells you there is nothing more they can do to help you?  In this sad situation, you will be grateful for the assistance of the healthcare advocate in connecting you with caring hospice services to help you in your final days.

How Can I Find a Healthcare Advocate?

You can contact the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants
They have a member directory at:
http://nahac.memberlodge.com/

You can also learn more about the services provided by healthcare advocates at:


http://www.healthcareadvocates.com/services.html
(215) 735-7711
info @ healthcareadvocates.com 


What are the Advantages of Hiring a Healthcare Advocate?

Dealing with a serious illness can be overwhelming ... whether you are the one who is ill or it is your spouse, parents or another family member.  Whenever you are under stress or don't feel well, it can seem almost impossible to deal with insurance, hospital bills, medical specialists and all the other problems.

In addition, it can be extremely difficult to search for a skilled nursing facility or to hire a home care aid for yourself, should they be needed.

Using a healthcare advocate can be expensive, but they sometimes pay for themselves by saving you money in other ways.  They can also lower your stress ... important to help you heal both mentally and physically.

Interested in learning more about retirement planning, common medical problems, Medicare, where to retire, family relationships and more?  Use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Common Medicare Mistakes

Many people assume that when they sign up for Social Security they will sign up for Medicare at the same time.  They also expect the procedure to be fairly simple and uncomplicated.  While sometimes this is true, it isn't always.  Decisions about when to sign up for Medicare, which parts you should enroll in, and what supplemental policies to purchase can be very complex.

Many people make mistakes when they initially sign up for Medicare.  When they do, it can make a significant difference in what they will pay in premiums for the rest of their lives.  Below are the most common mistakes retirees make.  It is important to educate yourself BEFORE you sign up.  While you can make some changes later, for example in which supplement you want to use, other mistakes are irrevocable.

Common Medicare Mistakes

*  Do not assume that you do not qualify for Medicare if you have not worked long enough to qualify for Social Security (a total of about 10 years).  If you are age 65 or older, you qualify for Medicare Parts B and D as long as you are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the U.S. at least five years.  You might not qualify for Part A if you have not worked long enough, but you could qualify on a spouse's work record or you can pay premiums for Part A.  Go to your local Social Security office during the three months before you turn 65, or before another 3 months have passed afterwards, so you know your options ... even if you do not plan to start collecting your Social Security benefits for a few more years!

*  Do not postpone signing up for Medicare Part B, unless you have health coverage beyond age 65 through an employer or spouse's employer, and the employer has 20 or more employees.  Other than that exception, the seven month window for signing up is the month you turn 65, three months before and three months after.  If you fail to sign up on time, you will pay a penalty, in the form of a surcharge, for the remainder of your life.

*  Retirees covered by a COBRA or a retiree plan from an employer often still need Medicare Part B.  Many of these plans are set up to be a supplement to Medicare Part B.  If you fail to sign up on time, you'll have no coverage for doctors' services, outpatient care and medical equipment until you enroll.  You need to sign up either during your regular seven month window, or no later than eight months after you stop working (if you work past the age of 65).

*  Do NOT wait until your "full retirement age" or until you collect Social Security before you sign up for Medicare.  As mentioned above, the window for signing up for Medicare is NOT the same as your full retirement age.  They are not linked.  If your full retirement age is 66 or 67, you still need to sign up for Medicare around your 65th birthday, with the few exceptions mentioned above.

*  Do NOT postpone signing up for Part D drug coverage, just because you currently do not take any drugs.  You will end up paying extra penalties and have a delay in coverage when you need it.  One way to save money is to sign up for the Medicare approved Part D plan in your area with the lowest premiums. If you do use prescription drugs, you can research which plan is best for you by using the plan finder program on Medicare.gov or by calling Medicare at (800) 633-4227.

*  Do not get confused about the meaning of open enrollment.  The widely advertised open enrollment period of Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year only applies to people who are already on Medicare and wish to change their coverage.  If you are new to Medicare, you can sign up for a supplement or Medicare Advantage plan any time of year.

*  Do NOT wait too long to choose a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan.  Since basic Medicare only covers about 80 percent of most medical bills, the majority of people will want to use either a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan.  You need to enroll in one within six months of enrolling in Part B.  If you do that, you cannot be denied coverage or charged higher premiums because of a preexisting medical condition ... no matter how sick you are.  This is a one-time opportunity.  If you are not happy with the plan you initially selected, in most cases you can change it each year during the open enrollment period. (Your choices may be limited if you have end-stage renal failure). If you sign up for Part B when you turn 65, but you do not get a supplemental policy within six months because you are still working and have employer provided insurance, you lose the federal protection against being charged higher premiums because of a preexisting medical condition.

*  Make sure you understand the difference between a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage Plan.  Both are available across the United States.  A Medicare Supplement is a policy you buy in addition to paying for your Medicare benefits.  You normally have a wider choice of doctors and hospitals; however, they are typically more expensive than a Medicare Advantage Plan and you are basically paying for and dealing with two insurance companies ... the basic government Medicare agency and the insurance carrier handling your Medicare Supplement.  A Medicare Advantage Plan limits you to their group of doctors and hospitals.  However, they are typically less expensive and sometimes cost no more than basic Medicare, yet offer better coverage.  In addition, you only need to file claims and deal with the Medicare Advantage insurance company.  They handle government claims for you.

*  Do not ignore the Annual Notice of Change.  It will be mailed to you every September if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (either HMO or PPO) or a Part D prescription plan.  It will explain what changes in coverage and premiums will be made for the coming year.  After reading it, you can decide if you want to select a different plan during the fall open enrollment period.  This could help you avoid a nasty shock from rising premium prices or changes in coverage.

*  Do not forget that many retirees qualify for financial assistance.  This is not charity.  You are entitled to this assistance and extra benefits.  If money is tight, find out if you qualify for these programs:

Medicare Savings Program - Your state will pay the Part B premiums and possibly other expenses.

Federal Extra Help - You could qualify for low-cost Part D prescription drug coverage.

To find out if you qualify, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).  You can find the toll-free number at:   shiptacenter.org

Want to find more information about Medicare, Social Security, common health issues, financial planning or the best places to retire?  Use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Protect Yourself from Investment Fraud

If you are like most people approaching retirement, you have worked hard all your life and put aside a nest-egg to help supplement your Social Security or pension.  Whether your nest-egg is small or large, the last thing you want is to lose it all to investment fraud.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has published a booklet titled "A Guide for Seniors - Protect Yourself Against Investment Fraud" (SEC Pub 144). The information is actually invaluable to investors of all ages, not only seniors.  While everyone may want to obtain a copy of this brochure, below are a few of the more important points made in this publication.

How to Avoid Investment Fraud

* Seniors tend to be especially vulnerable to scam artists who come across as being particularly "nice" or helpful.  Some seniors are too polite to turn down a friendly salesperson or they may feel they are indebted to someone who has provided them with investment advice.  Do not fall for the opposite tactic, either ... salespeople who prey on our financial fears and assure you that they have the best or, perhaps, the only solution.

* All investors need to ask questions and take the time to confirm the answers.  Do not rely on the references they give you ... do your own independent research on the company and the investment. One place to start is at the SEC's EDGAR database at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.  You can also contact your state's securities board.

*  Check out the salesperson and make sure they are licensed to sell securities in your state.  Find out if they have been disciplined by using the online databases of the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).  Do not rely on someone simply because they say they are a "senior specialist" or "retirement advisor."  Check out the meaning of Investment Professional Designations at the FINRA website at www.finra.org/investors.

* Take your time before making an investment and be wary of those deals that are unsolicited or "too good to be true."

*  Do not trust a financial advisor who says, "leave everything to me."

Red Flags that Could Signal Possible Investment Fraud

*  Any promised returns that are significantly higher than normal are almost certainly risky ... if not completely fraudulent.  High returns typically means high risk; low returns should correspond to a lower risk ... although even that may not be true.

*  Be skeptical of guaranteed returns.

*  Ignore pressure to send money immediately.

*  Ignore and/or thoroughly investigate "once-in-a-lifetime" offers.

Common Types of Fraud

Every investor should be aware of the different types of fraud.  By educating yourself, you are less likely to be a victim of one.

*  Ponzi and Pyramid Schemes:  In these investments, the money manager basically robs one person to pay another.  The first people who get into the deal will initially get a high rate of return, and they happily promote the investment to others.  Unfortunately, eventually the money runs out and everyone loses both the high income and their principal ... since it was given to other people!

*  Oil and Gas Scams:  While there are legitimate deals, a large number of them are fraudulent deals promoted by telemarketers. If this is not your business, it is probably best to avoid these deals.

*  Promissory Notes:  These are widely promoted loans the investor supposedly makes to a company in return for a high interest return ... and they are commonly nothing more than a scam.

*  Prime Bank Fraud:  The salespeople convince you they are purchasing prime bank financial instruments overseas through secret deals only they can arrange.  The best that can be said about these deals is ... RUN!!

*  High Return or "Risk Free" Investment:  These are often actually unsuitable investment products, such as speculative or risky deals which are sold to the elderly, who are told that they are low-risk.  Confirm, confirm, confirm before taking on a new investment, especially if you have been promised a high rate of return.  Make sure you completely understand what you are buying.  If you can't understand it, don't buy it.

*  Internet Fraud:  The internet is just one more way these fraudulent salespeople try to contact potential investors.  Be as skeptical of something you receive over the internet as you would be of a phone call or letter from a stranger.

Where to Get More Information or File a Complaint

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you will need the information below to either file a complaint or check out an investment advisor.  I highly recommend that all investors use this information before dealing with any new investment advisor or purchasing a new investment product.  Print it out and keep it in your file with your brokerage statements.

Securities and Exchange Commission
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C.  20549-0213

Telephone (800) 732-0330
Fax:  (202) 772-9295
Website for senior citizens:  www.sec.gov/investor/seniors.shtml

Complaints:  www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml
Email complaints:  help@sec.gov

FINRA Investor Complaint Center
1735 K Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006

Fax: (866) 397-3290

File complaints online at: www.finra.org

Verify registration and disciplinary information about brokers and brokerage firms:

FINRA BrokerCheck at www.finra.org/brokercheck
Telephone:  (800) 289-9999

If you are interested in more helpful retirement information, including where to retire in the U.S. or overseas, helpful financial information, common medical problem, family issues and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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