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  • The Tools You Need to Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals

    The Tools You Need to Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals

    Cyber crime is a major problem in our internet-based world. More than 90% of all transactions now occur digitally, and all of your data is stored on some database somewhere. Your most sensitive information is on the internet and it may even be unsecured as you’re reading this. There are over 4,000 cyber crimes committed every single day, and any of them could be attempts to get to your data. New crimes require new methods of protecting yourself. Here are some of the tools you need to protect yourself from cyber criminals.

    Tools to Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals

    Why Now?

    You might be asking why this is suddenly such a huge concern. The internet has been a major part of our lives for more than 20 years now. Haven’t these cyber criminals all been stopped by now? Well, unfortunately, cyber crime isn’t going away any time soon. In fact, it’s on the rise now more than ever. In 2017 alone there were 27% more online crimes committed than in 2016. As the world becomes more connected, your data is more vulnerable than ever.

    Going online without the tools you need to protect yourself from online criminals is like walking through a dark alley alone at night while wearing a nice watch. Do you deserve to be mugged for that? No, absolutely not. Should you expect to be? Sadly, that’s the world we live in. If you go online and start making purchases or paying bills without any protection, it’s a matter of when your data gets stolen, not if. Unfortunately this is just the way cyber criminals operate. There’s a way to keep yourself safe, though, and that’s through information security technology.

    Information Security

    Information security technology is offered by sites like Lifelock, Norton, McAfee and the like. These security suites, as they are called, are typically paid services that allow you to browse without worrying about your data. They offer you peace of mind by giving you a number of services that keep your data private and make it much harder to steal.

    The ways they do this vary from suite to suite and can change based on the level of security you’re after. One of the main ways these security suites can keep you safe is through encryption. Data encryption is a process by which data is translated into incomprehensible gibberish that can only be deciphered by possessing the encryption key. This is a lot like old-school spy codes that replace letters with other letter and can be decoded with the right key.

    Encryption might not be foolproof, but it makes your data that much harder to steal. Generally, cyber criminals can’t be bothered to go to the work of decrypting a complex cypher, so they’ll sooner avoid your data altogether.

    Other Security Measures

    That’s not the only security you need to keep in mind online, though. Most security suites also include firewalls or virus protection. These are computer scripts or programs that intercept fishy lines of code that might be viruses. Many viruses exist solely to cause problems on your computer by replicating themselves and slowing your system down. More malicious viruses, however, may include commands that involve copying your keystrokes and sending your passwords to criminals.

    Another way to avoid keystroke-logging viruses would be through using a password manager. Password managers are another great aspect of cyber security you can use to keep your information safe online! They are typically paid services, some of which are included with security suites, that keep track of your passwords across different sites. Generally these services encrypt your password and help keep your information safe from outside parties by making your passwords complex strings of letters and numbers.

    Virtual Private Networks

    Another favorite tool to stymie online criminals is through use of a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, like Nord. VPNs allow you to use private servers to connect to the internet, which helps you to steer clear of seedier elements online. VPNs often can boost your internet speeds, as well, allowing you to connect more quickly and avoid data throttling and slowdown.

    Another widely-used but often maligned use of VPNs is “geo-spoofing,” a process through which a user tricks a site into thinking they are physically somewhere else. This is often used to sidestep regional blackouts on media. While many sites don’t appreciate this use of VPNs, it’s one of the most common reasons people use them. Most VPNs require a monthly fee to access, though there are some free ones out there, too.

  • Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    It’s a simple fact of life that everyone needs a phone. It’s surprising, then, that so many seniors are so resistant to upgrading to a new smartphone. After all, smartphones are deceptively simple devices to use and operate. However, many people don’t realize just how senior-friendly these devices are. Most modern smartphones sport huge, bright displays and bold, easy-to-read text. Even phones that aren’t marketed for seniors have settings that can be activated to make them that much easier for seniors to use! Here are some of the best phones that make life easier for seniors.

    Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    GrandPad

    First things first, let’s talk about that adorable name. GrandPad. Doesn’t that just make you start grinning? As that name suggests, this is a device that is geared for seniors specifically, not just one that happens to be a good device for them. This one is a great pick due to its big screen and easy, intuitive controls. It’s really, really big, too: it’s something of a cross between a cellphone and a tablet. Those who want something with lots of screen space and a huge base font are in luck with this one.

    The device, unsurprisingly, handles calls, internet browsing, email and all of that good stuff. It supports video calls as well as voice, which is great for distant grandparents who want to video chat with their grandkids. Another cool feature is the ability to view social media streams without needing to have an account. This lets grandparents keep up with family without having to navigate complex social media profiles, which is awesome in our book.

    Other awesome features of this phone/tablet hybrid that make it great for seniors are the wireless charging dock and 4G LTE connection. The wireless charging, for its part, is great since you don’t have to keep up with any wires or fiddle with trying to fit the charging cable into a port. All-in-all, this is one of the best phone options for seniors.

    iPhone X Plus

    The iPhone X line of smartphones has a huge design benefit for seniors. That’s the lack of any face buttons. However, the base iPhone X and XS phones are a bit small when compared to phones that are ideal for seniors. The iPhone X Plus, however, is a great size for seniors. Apple’s iOS platform is very intuitive, and gesture-based commands are easy to learn. The FaceID unlocking method is also great for seniors, as it make it easier for them to unlock their phone without needing to always input a password.

    Apple offers a number of great features for seniors through their iOS platform. For instance, if a senior user is having a hard time finding a function, they can call “hey, Siri” and call up the voice command assistant in their phone. This will allow them to use simply commands like “call Susan” or “text Bob,” which lets them get around some of the tougher parts of navigating an operating system.

    Another feature that senior users love about Apple’s iPhone line is the built-in FaceTime video calling feature. FaceTime features crisp, clear video and sound quality and makes you feel like you’re really in the room with your family when you call them up. Generally speaking, Apple’s products are sturdy and you can expect them to last a long time. They are also very responsive, with snappy menus and short loading times. All in all, iPhones are great for anyone, not just seniors.

    Galaxy Note 9

    Another great smartphone for seniors is the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. This massive phablet is a great cross between a phone and a tablet and sports a handy stylus. The pen is a favorite of older phone users who love to have precise control when it comes to touch screens. Tight, tactile and easy-to-use, the Note 9 is an example of everything a phone should be.

    The Note 9 also uses biometric scanners to unlock the phone. You can opt to use either fingerprint scanners, iris scanners or both to open the phone, meaning you don’t have to constantly enter a password over and over to access your phone’s information. Much like the iPhone, there is also an integrated voice assistant in the form of S Voice. This allows you to use your voice to make calls, video chats or send text messages.

    In all, there are many great options for phones for seniors out there. However, these are some of the best overall options. Big displays, easy access and great video chat services all make these ideal choices for seniors.

  • The Pain you Feel Could be Peripheral Neuropathy

    The Pain you Feel Could be Peripheral Neuropathy

    If you feel strange pain in your extremities, such as in your hand or feet, you might be feeling peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy is the result of damage to nerves and can cause numbness and aches in your body, typically in your hands and your feet. Commonly caused by diabetes mellitus, inherited genetics and infections, peripheral neuropathy damages nerves that are trying to send signals to your central nervous system. It’s possible that the pains you’re feeling in your extremities that neuropathy is to blame for it!

    You Could be Suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy

    Overview

    Generally the pain is described as being a tingling, burning or stabbing sensation depending upon the intensity. There are some medications that can ease the pain, and many patients report that the pain lessens over time when treated. The disease is inherently degenerative: nerve endings that die send complex signals that are interpreted as pain before numbness sets in in their absence. This sensation is highly uncomfortable and can make it difficult to walk or type, depending on which extremities are affected.

    The symptoms of this condition include weakness, numbness, stabbing pains and difficulty executing motor tasks. These reasons are generally brought on due to the types of nerves that are affected.

    Common Symptoms

    Commonly, the type of nerve affected will dictate the type of symptoms you see with regards to neuropathy. Sensory nerves, motor nerves and autonomic nerves all serve different functions in the body. Sensory nerves are the ones you know the best, and they’re the ones that allow you to feel things. Motor nerves are the nerves present in your muscles that allow you to move and manipulate your environment. Autonomic nerves are nerves that control the automatic functions of your body such as your digestion, bladder, heart rate and other such functions.

    If you feel numbness, tingling and prickling and jabbing pains, your sensory nerves may be affected by neuropathy. This often also leads to lack of balance, lessened coordination and difficulty walking or using one’s hands. If your motor nerves are affected, it could result in muscle weakness and even paralysis. The lack of motor nerves in a muscle would make it more difficult, or even impossible, to send signals from your central nervous system to your muscles.

    If your autonomic nerves are being affected the condition could include problems with digestion or your bladder, or even issues with your bowels. Intolerance to heat is another common symptom. Blood pressure changes can occur, causing sudden dizziness and issues with circulation.

    Common Causes

    Peripheral neuropathy isn’t a condition that occurs in and of itself typically. Normally the condition occurs as a result of an outside factor. Commonly, these factors can be controlled or treated and allow a chance to fight the neuropathy. Examples of common causes include alcoholism, which can cause lasting nerve damage, and diabetes. Diabetes, in particular, is one of the biggest causes of neuropathy. In fact, around half of all people with diabetes develop some form of neuropathy.

    Less common causes that people encounter include poisons, such as heavy metals, toxic substances an the like that can cause nerve damage. Another example is through an injury that causes the nerves to become damaged.

    Commonly, injuries sustained during car accidents, while playing sports or from falls can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Certain deficiencies can also lead to neuropathy, such as vitamin B-1, B-6 and B-12 deficiencies. Other causes could be genetic disorders, infections, tumors, and even bone marrow disorders.

    Risks and Complications

    If you have risk factors that could lead to the development of neuropathy, such as genetic predisposition, exposure to toxins or recent injuries, speak with your doctor. If you have neuropathy, you will likely not notice when you sustain injuries to your extremities. As such, it’s very important that you check them often. If your hand is being burned, or if you have stepped on a nail, your body being numb won’t alert you to that.

    Additionally, those with neuropathy in their feet have difficulty walking. Uneven ground, loose soil and unstable footing all pose serious fall risks for those with neuropathy.

    When to See a Doctor

    If you think your pain or numbness is related to neuropathy, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor. You don’t want to take chances when it comes to your health! Visit your physician and talk to them about what you’re experiencing. They might be able to treat your pain. The sooner you start combating neuropathy the better, so don’t be afraid to try to get help right away!

  • How to Choose the Right Trailer for Your Move

    How to Choose the Right Trailer for Your Move

    Americans move around a ton. It’s just what we do! In fact, each year, about 11 percent of the population will move from one home to another. On average, Americans live in around 10 homes in their lifetimes. So, if you’re moving, you’re far from alone! If you’re moving, though, you’re likely looking into renting a trailer to carry all of your things. How should you choose the right one for your move? Today we’ll help you answer that question with this quick breakdown!

    How to Choose the Right Trailer for Your Move

    Should You Rent or Buy?

    The first question you need to ask when you’re thinking about moving is whether you want to rent or buy a trailer. You’ll need something to carry all of your things in, but buying a trailer outright might be expensive. On the one hand, owning a trailer is a great way to keep this expense from repeating in the future. After all, odds are good you’ll need to move something again soon before you move. And then, when you move again, as you likely will, you’ll want to have a trailer on hand. If you bought one the last time you moved, you’re covered!

    On the other hand, though, buying a trailer might be an expense you can’t swing during the move. Maybe you don’t haul things often enough to merit simply buying one, and you’d rather save money by just renting. After all, buying can cost between $4,000 and $20,000 depending on what kind of trailer you’re looking at! There are also registration fees, taxes and inspections you’ll have to pay for on top of that. Owning can be expensive!

    Picking the Right Trailer

    There are a number of trailers you can choose from when you go to move. Four of the main ones you’ll see are flatbeds, cargo trailers, freight trailers and equipment trailers. We’ll briefly go over each so you can decide which one is right for your move!

    Flatbed

    Flatbed trailers are ideal for transporting a vehicle. If you’re moving a long distance and need to move a vehicle with you, a flatbed car-hauling trailer is the right call for your move. These are tilted to allow your vehicle to drive up onto them. Once on, you’ll secure your vehicle with straps so that it doesn’t go anywhere. Some of these trailers will have your vehicle’s back wheels stay on the pavement and roll behind the trailer, while others will have the vehicle sit completely on the trailer.

    Cargo

    Cargo trailers are common and come in a number of shapes and sizes. Typically people moving large amounts of furniture will go with enclosed cargo trailers. Enclosed trailers are the kind you would normally see rented through companies like U-Haul. They can be hitched to the back of a truck or SUV and have roll-up doors and enclosures. The enclosed design of these trailers helps to keep your belongings safe from blowing away, being rained on or being stolen. You can even use a padlock to lock up the trailer door so it can be left somewhere without you worrying about your belongings being stolen.

    Typically these are the type of trailer that people will get when they go to move. However, they’re not always the exact trailer you need!

    Equipment Trailer

    Equipment trailers are flatbed-style trailers that are ideal for cross-town moves. These are side-rail trailers that are open and allow you to load your belongings quickly and easily. If you’ve got a smaller amount of belongings and only plan to move a short way, these can be good budget alternatives to cargo trailers. You will, however, have to tie down your belongings. Additionally, these trailers are less than ideal in rainy conditions, and shouldn’t be left anywhere overnight, as your belongings aren’t protected from the elements.

    Freight Trailer

    If you possess a large number of belongings, then a freight trailer might be ideal. Those without commercial trucking licenses will need to hire truckers to move these types of trailers for them, as they are quite large. However, for people who have very large or numerous belongings and plan to move a good distance, these types of trailers are ideal.

    Another variety of freight trailer is the moving truck, which is commonly rented from companies like U-Haul. These are a bit of a happy medium between cargo trailers and semi-truck sized freight trailers. If you’re moving a long way but don’t have a huge number of possessions, these types of moving trucks are ideal.

  • Best Sites to Find Free Audiobooks

    Best Sites to Find Free Audiobooks

    Audiobooks are a great way to focus on reading without having to set aside time for just sitting still. A lot of people have such busy schedules that audiobooks are the best way for them to take in literature. After all, you can listen to an audiobook while jogging, while working, even in the car while on the way to work and back. This makes audiobooks a valuable asset in a busy schedule! However, they can be more expensive than old-fashioned books. Here are some of the best sites to find free or inexpensive audiobooks so you don’t break the bank!

    Best Sites to Find Free Audiobooks

    OverDrive

    OverDrive is an audiobook site that works in concert with local libraries to offer free books to library card holders. If you have a local library card then you can download free audiobooks from OverDrive. They offer apps through Android and iTunes, as well as Windows phones. They also have a desktop site, of course, that you can download MP3s through to upload to any device you would like.

    OverDrive is a great choice for lovers of the local library. If your library has an audiobook you’d like to listen to, odds are good that it’s being hosted on OverDrive. Libraries are a great public resource, and OverDrive does a great job of extending their reach beyond just the walls of the building itself. They offer a great selection of newer books and classics alike.

    The search function is easy and fast, and you can quickly navigate books by authors, genres, series and more. If you’re looking to quickly fill up your device with audiobooks, OverDrive is a great way to start doing just that. If you’ve already got a library card, you’re ready to go!

    LibriVox

    Literature is as old as civilization itself. As such, it’s no surprise that more works are in the public domain than there are works that aren’t. LibriVox is a site that hosts free audiobooks of works that are in the public domain.

    An interesting aspect of LibriVox is that the narrators are all volunteers. As such, the quality of the reading can change dramatically based on the volunteer. Some volunteers are excellent actors with impeccable readings full of life and emotion. Others are more robotic, simply reading the words from the page in a constant string. Some narrators may have difficult-to-understand accents, while others might be on par with most premium paid audiobooks.

    Many books have multiple readings available, and there are several languages available to choose from. If the audiobooks you want to hear are in the public domain, LibriVox is a great place to look for free audiobooks. After all, you can’t beat free!

    Open Culture

    Open Culture is an educational site that is completely free for all users. They host a number of classic works of literature, and their site also hosts a number of educational courses, textbooks and films. If you’re looking to learn more about a subject and dig more deeply into it, consider Open Culture a resource worth digging into! The site even offers 900 free audiobook downloads.

    Open Culture doesn’t offer the most robust selection of newer books, however. It also doesn’t support a wide variety of audiobook formats, so it might be more difficult getting their audiobooks to work on all of your devices. However, they do link to both iTunes and Spotify, which streamlines the process immensely.

    While the site is totally free, donations are appreciated. If you’re looking for a great educational site that hosts countless classic works of literature, Open Culture is a great choice for you.

    Scribl

    Scribl is a service that is more akin to a podcast service than a traditional audiobook site. The service is great for people who like smaller, more easily digested audio, much like podcasts. If you often go on jogs or have short bursts of time you like to listen in, Scribl is a great way to go. The audiobooks on Scribl can be broken down into smaller files and taken in one bite at a time.

    Additionally, Scribl has more new releases than most free sites. There are some paid books on the site, though, for brand-new or high-profile releases. However, when you buy an audiobook on Scribl, you also get access to the e-book version! This allows you to read up on your favorite books even when you don’t have your headphones available, or if you just like to follow along with the narration when you can.

  • Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

    Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

    Are a grandparent with a number of wonderful grandkids you want to safely drive back and forth between fun events? Maybe you pick them up from school on Fridays so they can spend the weekend with you, or maybe you take them with you to church on Sundays. No matter the reason, you’re going to need a good vehicle to safely get yourself and your grandchildren around town. Some of the safest vehicles for seniors with grandchildren are SUVs. Today we’re looking at some of the best (and safest) SUVs for seniors.

    Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

    Honda Pilot

    Honda’s got a great reputation that they’ve earned through constantly putting out excellent vehicles that are safe and last for a long time. The reliable and safe Honda Pilot makes a great vehicle for seniors as it’s slam-full of features to keep you and your passengers safe! That includes forward collision warnings, emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and other safety features. These are ideal for senior drivers as they operate in the background and aren’t intrusive but will kick in to help you when you need them.

    What’s more, this isn’t just about safety. The Honda Pilot also sports excellent performance! The engine is V6 and the ride is fun and lively. If you’re looking for something that’s both safe and fun all at once, it’s a hard balance to strike. Honda, however, manages to strike that balance excellently. With 280 horsepower, this is a vehicle that can really move! The Pilot also sports impressive fuel economy, getting 27 MPG highway and 19 MPG city. For a V6 SUV, that’s not too bad!

    The Honda Pilot’s base trim level starts right around $32,000. The base trim includes a 5-inch infotainment display and has access to voice-activated controls, which is a favorite of many seniors.

    Subaru Forester

    The Forester is a great pick for those on a bit more of a budget. That’s because the base trim of the Forester starts right around $25,000, making it a bit easier to swing for those with a tighter budget. Much like the Pilot, one of the biggest draws to the Forester for seniors is the safety features that you get. The Subaru DriverFocus features are available on the Forester, and these features are excellent. They monitor driver behavior and give warning if the driver is behaving unusually.

    Drivers can also opt for front collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring, those these upgrades are not included in the base trim. Some great design features also make this a wonderful pick for seniors. For instance, the door sills are quite low to the ground, and the door openings are rather wide. This makes getting into and out of the vehicle easier than in most SUVs.

    The engine isn’t quite as impressive as the likes of the Honda Pilot, though it’s not a slouch. The Forester sports a 4-cylinder, 185 horsepower engine that offers 33 miles per gallon on the highway. This engine also nets you 26 miles per gallon in the city, making up for the relatively lower horsepower compared to other vehicles in the class.

    Acura RDX

    The Acura RDX is a popular SUV, especially among seniors, due to its luxurious features and great drive. It’s a bit on the pricey side, starting around $40,000, but many find it to be well-worth the price. It’s got a great 4-cylinder engine under the hood, putting out 275 horsepower and netting a solid 28 MPG highway and 22 MPG city. These numbers are made more impressive, however, by the luxurious vehicle that houses the engine.

    The full, robust entertainment system in the vehicle is sure to impress the grandkids, and it offers support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both of which are excellent integration systems for smartphones! Integrated voice commands allow you to control the vehicle’s entertainment options without having your eyes leave the road, too. This keeps you safer while driving, as taking your eyes off the road is a quick way to become distracted and potentially get hurt.

    The Acura RDX also supports AcuraWatch, the proprietary safety suite that runs in many Acura vehicles. AcuraWatch implements features such as lane keeping, emergency breaking, road departure warnings and more. This is excellent for drivers who might be worried about potential threats while driving. Keeping yourself and your grandkids safe is certainly a chief concern, and the Acura RDX is a great vehicle for keeping that concern at the top of your priority list!

  • Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    If you’re expecting a tax refund this year, you’ve probably got a few ideas as to how you’re going to spend it. Maybe you’re looking to get a new tattoo, or maybe you want to buy some video games or new rims for your car. Maybe before you get your sights set on a frivolous purchase, however, you should start thinking about smart ways to spend your tax refund. There are better ways to spend a sudden windfall than on something frivolous and goofy!

    Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Set Up an Emergency Fund

    Do you have a savings account with $1,000 in it? No? Okay, here’s the first thing you need to do with that money. Take your tax refund, set aside $1,000 and save it. If you have money leftover after that, pay bills with it. Easy! See, having a savings account with a good little chunk of money in it is a good way to insulate yourself against those dumb, random things that are going to happen and drain your checking account.

    Your car is going to break down. Your heater is going to stop working in February. Or, your AC is going to bust in July. No matter what it is, some stupid happenstance will come along and smack you with a huge bill. Be ready for these frustrating moments by having money set aside to deal with them when (not if) they show up.

    Pay Down Debt

    That debt you have hovering over your head like the Sword of Damocles isn’t going anywhere until you do something about it. Kick that debt to the curb by paying your tax refund into it! The sooner you start paying down those big debts, the better. The longer your let those debts float by with minimum payments, the higher and higher the interest gets.

    That means that by focusing a large sum, like your tax refund, you buy back all the money that interest would have eaten up down the road. Why let interest compound and cause you issues down the line when you can buy back your money now? It’s the definition of a win-win scenario.

    Fix Up Your House

    You spend a lot of time at home. Make sure it’s a place you like being. By making your house nicer, you’re actually helping yourself in two ways. The first way is pretty straightforward: you like living in your house, so make it a nice place. The second is a bit more financial in nature. If you invest in your home, it’ll be worth more down the line!

    This especially goes for homes in areas that have ever-increasing property values. If your home is always going up, up, up in value just because of where it is, you can multiply this value a lot by just doing a bit of work on the place. A new roof, repairs to older sections of the house, a kitchen remodel: all of these things can add a ton of value to the place. What better time to do this kind of work than when you have the money free at hand?

    Travel Somewhere

    Rather than spending your money on something like a new TV or a down payment on a car, you could instead opt to go on a trip. There’s nothing quite like traveling to a new place and enjoying the scenery! Whether that’s some beautiful tropical island, a mountain ski lodge or just a city you’ve been dying to visit.

    See, when you buy “stuff,” the fun of buying the new thing wears off sooner rather than later. Then, you find a few months down the line wishing that you hadn’t spent all that money on something you’re just going to replace next year anyway. If you pay for a trip, however, you’ll make memories that will last you a lifetime.

    Donate the Money

    Do you have a hard time figuring out what to do with a sudden windfall? Maybe you’ve got a good bit of money in savings and you don’t really have the time to go out of town for a long trip. Maybe your house is already up to a great standard and you’re at a loss for what to do with the money.

    Well, good news! You can donate that money to a good cause. If you’re passionate about a social issue of some kind, like homeless shelters or cancer research, you can donate that tax refund money and make a difference in the world! You can even write it off on next year’s taxes and repeat the cycle of giving.

  • Get Tax Help for Seniors

    Get Tax Help for Seniors

    There’s a reason most people get help filing their taxes: taxes are really, really complicated. Between social security, tax credit, exemptions, deductions, property taxes, there are a ton of complex things to keep up with. It’s no surprise that a number of seniors get intimidated when it comes to filing their taxes. There are changing technologies, changing tax rules, and fixed incomes can all make tax season difficult for seniors. Here are some of the best ways to get tax help for seniors.

    Get Tax Help for Seniors

    AARP Tax-Aide

    Whether or not you already have an AARP membership, or know someone who does, this is a great way to go. The AARP Foundation has tax aide services that can be a lifesaver for seniors. The best part is that you don’t even need to be an AARP member to take advantage of this great service! It’s available for anyone over 50, free of charge. You can meet with these tax professionals free of charge online or in person, whichever you prefer! That way, if you would rather talk face-to-face, or if you prefer to file form the comfort of your home, you’re set either way!

    The volunteers who work for the AARP Tax-Aide program are also IRS-certified tax professionals. These aren’t amateurs who are going to mess up your taxes, these are people who are certified and know what they’re doing! That way, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting the help you need with your taxes and the peace of mind that includes.

    If you go for an in-person session, you’ll be glad to hear that they’re available all throughout tax season, from January to April 15th. Generally, these visits occur in convenient and public locations. Community centers, public libraries, banks and shopping malls are all common locations for these visits, so you need not worry about meeting in person. These locations are in public, well-lit and easy to access, so you don’t have to worry about getting to the meeting location.

    Best of all, the online side of this tax service is available year-round to answer your questions about taxes. If you have any burning questions you need answered and want to be ahead of the curve, this is a great way to go! That’s what happens when you go through an organization as helpful as the AARP.

    Federal Government Tax Assistance

    There are two tax services offered by the IRS. There’s the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. If you go through the IRS website, you can find in-depth information on both of these programs. Both the VITA and TCE programs have physical locations throughout the country you can visit to receive direct, in-person help with your taxes.

    Firstly, the VITA is a good program for those seniors who still earn some income, such as through a part-time job or perhaps through owned property. The VITA program typically helps those who do not speak English fluently, disabled people, people under a certain income level and the elderly. These services are primarily geared at seniors who make an amount of money under a certain threshold. Generally, those seniors who make more money than this threshold should consider going with professional paid tax services.

    The TCE, for its part, is geared more for seniors who aren’t sure where to turn for tax help. The service is specifically for seniors of age 60 or older who are on a fixed-income. These types of people are the exact ones that the TCE was created to help. If you or someone you love lives on a fixed income and needs income tax help, the TCE is the right call to help. They help seniors with things like retirement income and pensions, as opposed to traditional income methods. The free service is also volunteer-based and offers help during tax season. The volunteers are all IRS-certified professionals.

    State Taxes

    Both the VITA and TCE programs offer help with state taxes as well as federal taxes, so this usually shouldn’t be a huge concern for seniors. However, beyond this, some states do offer a state-specific tax program to help seniors if they have state-specific tax questions. While such situations would be rare, if a senior needs help with complex aspects of their state taxes in particular then they should look into whether their state offers a tax program.

    In the event it doesn’t, don’t panic! The bar association of your state may provide pro-bono legal help to seniors seeking tax advice. Local CPAs or other professionals may also offer help for seniors at no cost, so consider looking into these avenues!

  • How to Live Your Best Life on a Fixed Income

    How to Live Your Best Life on a Fixed Income

    This is it: the years you’ve been preparing and saving for your entire life. You’re retired, you’ve got Social Security, your retirement fund, and maybe a pension. You’re on a fixed income, as you’ve been preparing for since you entered the work force. And it’s really scary, isn’t it? This is the part that people don’t often talk about. You’re retired, your money is fixed, and you don’t think you’re as prepared as you wanted to be. Now what? How do you live your best life on a fixed income?

    How to Live Your Best Life on a Fixed Income

    Make a Budget

    One of the first thing you want to do when you retire and begin living on a fixed income is make a budget for yourself. There’s no way you’re going to be able to just wing it. If you’re looking to live a comfortable life and not run out of money, a budget is going to be necessary.

    Before you even get your money, you need to have a job set aside for each and every dollar. You need to set back what goes to bills, what goes to food, what goes to gas for your vehicle or money for your insurance. If you simply try to play it by ear with your funds, odds are good that those funds will rather rapidly deplete as you spend without thinking.

    If you instead make a detailed budget that includes all of your expenses, you’ll have a detailed document to show yourself how you’re going to spend the money you get each month. This allows you to not only keep track of where your money goes but make adjustments as needed when you see how much you have left over after bills. You’re going to want spending money, of course, whether that’s to spend on yourself, your spouse or your grandkids.

    Prioritize Your Health

    If you want to seriously make your money last and keep your quality of life high, focus on your health. Walk every day if you can, eat fresh food, cut junk food out of your diet. A low-fat, nutritious diet will go a long way in saving you tons and tons of money in long-term care. Statistics show that heart disease is one of the most common (and expensive) types of chronic disease that people over 60 struggle with. You don’t want to burn up your entire nest egg just trying to stay at a neutral level of health!

    Schedule Your Shopping Trip

    Try to schedule your shopping as best you can. Try to stick to one designated shopping trip for week. This way you’re not as likely to make impulse purchases. When you make random trips to the store just because, your odds of making impulse purchases goes up dramatically. These impulse purchases are a bad idea: your income will remain fixed even as you make purchases on a whim. Each impulse buy you make simply reduces that much more money from your set funds.

    Try to Pay Annually

    When it comes to insurance, the best way to save money is to pay for your coverage annually. This goes for car insurance, health insurance and most other types of insurance. If you pay your plan in full for the year, you’ll find it much less expensive than paying month-to-month. When you’re operating on a fixed budget, this could free up a not-inconsiderable amount of money throughout the year for you! Dodging administration fees is a great way to make your money go longer.

    Buddy System

    If you’re single, consider buddying up on expenses with a friend. There are a few things you can save on when you have a buddy system in place. For instance, when you go to buy groceries, buying in bulk is often less expensive. If you split half of a larger pack of something with a friend, you’ll save a ton of money. Not to mention, less things will go bad when you’re splitting them with a friend!

    Likewise, you could buddy up on travel to save. If your plans for retirement include travel, consider traveling with a friend to save. When you go together, you can get a room together, get discounted rated on tickets and more. Not to mention, isn’t it more fun to go on trips with a friend than going by yourself? This way you not only save on your room and travel, you can also make great memories with a friend and enjoy your time on vacation that much more!

  • Best Gym Memberships to Get Healthy in 2019

    Best Gym Memberships to Get Healthy in 2019

    One of the most common New Year resolutions that people make is that they’re going to join a gym and begin to live a healthier lifestyle. This is an admirable goal, though not one that many people stick with in the long term. Determination is hard to come by! If you’re serious about getting healthy in 2019, though, this article is for you. Let’s talk about some of the best gym memberships to help you get into better shape this year!

    Best Gym Memberships

    Equinox Fitness Club

    Our first entry is on the list because it’s just so very upscale and fancy. If you get a membership with Equinox, you can expect nothing but the finest of equipment and amenities. If you enjoy the finer things in life and have a bit of money to spend on a gym membership, Equinox is for you. Equinox not only sports incredibly high-quality equipment for workouts, they also have great amenities for members.

    Deep, in-depth personal training is a huge draw for members of Equinox. Having the personal touch of a trainer to help you hit your fitness goals is that extra step a lot of folks need to stick with their new plan of getting fit. If no one is holding you responsible, it’s easy to slip up. With a personal trainer, however, you not only get structure and guidance, but someone to hold you accountable to your ongoing fitness plan.

    Group classes, such as dance-style workouts, are also a popular aspect of Equinox’s high-scale experience. The community aspect of a gym is often overlooked but having that extra layer of togetherness can make fitness that much more fun. It’s one thing to work out by yourself and just feel tired and sore. When you’re working out with a group, though, it’s much more fun!

    Finally, following your workout, you can use Equinox’s top-tier spa area. This will help you to relax and recover from a tough workout, allowing you to recharge and go back out into the world reenergized. If this sounds like the place for you, though, be ready to spend a bit of money. The membership starts around $200 per month.

    Crunch Fitness

    If you’re looking for positivity and community, Crunch Fitness is a popular choice for many people. For one thing, they’ve got membership options that start as low as $10 per month, meaning they’ve got something to fit every budget. Beyond that, they’ve also got a great community that is always dedicated to putting positivity and result first. Their workout area is tailored to be judgment-free, and the trainers do a great job of engaging members.

    Motivation is one of the biggest hurdles newcomers to working out have to overcome. Often, it’s easy to feel discouraged, especially early in your fitness journey. However, the trainers at Crunch Fitness really care about keeping you engaged and motivated. It’s important that you hit your fitness goals. Heck, you wouldn’t have joined a gym if it wasn’t important to you! The trainers are more than happy to remind you of this while they help you hit your goals.

    Group classes are a big focus of Crunch. Cultivating a community based on togetherness and workout positivity is a big part of this gym’s culture. It makes it feel like everyone is working together to hit their goals! If you want a comfortable and welcoming gym where you can get fit while making new friends, Crunch is the right place for you!

    Blink Fitness

    With memberships from $15 to $30 per month, Blink’s got a little something for everyone! While Blink doesn’t offer group classes, members of a certain tier and up are allowed to bring a guest with them an unlimited number of times. This is a great option for workout buddies! If you’ve made a resolution with another person, like a significant other or best friend, and want to be able to work out with them without both of you getting memberships, this is the option you should go with.

    Blink’s interiors are upscale, bright and optimistic. While it’s not the highest-tech gym around, it’s got everything you need for a good workout! The space is clean, well-lit and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and helpful. One-on-one sessions with personal trainers are available for those looking for a more hands-on approach to their workout, too!

    In all, the biggest thing you need to start your fitness journey is to get with a program and stick with it. There’s nothing standing between you and your goals except for you! Get out there and kick some butt!